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Exploring the Potential of Nootropics for ADHD: Can These Cognitive Enhancers Improve Focus and Clarity?

Nootropics for brain function have gone mainstream. From capsules to powders and, even, drinks, there is a growing array of products on the market that promise to improve brain fog, brain performance, and overall cognitive function. With their cognitive-enhancing potential, more people are exploring whether nootropics for ADHD can elicit similar outcomes in improving mental clarity and attention.

What are nootropics?

Nootropics refers to any substance that has been proven to improve cognition and support healthy brain function without causing significant side effects. Also known as ‘smart drugs,’ some of the benefits of nootropics include enhanced:

  • Focus
  • Memory recall
  • Creativity
  • Motivation

The term nootropics encompasses a large class of substances, including natural compounds, synthetic substances, and prescription medications. Certain FDA-approved prescription medications are also considered nootropics.

How do nootropics address ADHD?

The primary mechanisms of nootropics, or smart drugs, involves modulating neurotransmitter systems, which are impacted by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although researchers are still exploring the exact causes, studies indicate that neurotransmitter deficits (especially dopamine and norepinephrine) across four regions brain directly induce symptoms related to ADHD, like inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation.

  • The prefrontal cortex (PFC) regulates executive cognitive functions, such as attention regulation, impulse control, and working memory. Deficiencies in these neurotransmitters impair the PFC’s ability to regulate attention and behavior, leading to symptoms such as distractibility, impulsivity, and poor working memory
  • The limbic system regulates emotions and lower dopamine levels can lead to deficits in motivation and emotional dysregulation.
  • Basal Ganglia plays a role in motor control and reward processing. Dopamine deficiency in this region can result in motor hyperactivity and impaired reward processing, contributing to the hyperactive and impulsivity.
  • Reticular activating system regulates sleep-wake transitions, behavioral arousal and alertness. Norepinephrine is a key neurotransmitter in this system and lower-than-normal levels may impair the system’s ability to maintain optimal arousal states, leading to symptoms of inattention and difficulty sustaining focus.

By directly influencing neurotransmitter systems, nootropics may help to restore optimal function in the brain and reduce ADHD symptoms.

Best nootropics for ADHD

As previously mentioned, nootropics is a catchall term for a large class of drugs that have been shown to boost cognitive function, including: natural nootropics(such as Bacopa Monnieri and Ginkgo Biloba), synthetic nootropic supplements (like caffeine and L-theanine), prescription nootropics (such as Ritalin).

Natural nootropics

  • Gingko Biloba—Derived from leaves from Ginkgo Biloba trees, this natural nootropic supplement has been shown to influence the brain’s dopamine systems, contributing to thinking and memory functions in the prefrontal cortext. Additionally, Ginkgo Biloba has also been shown to enhance cerebral blood flow, which contributes to neurotransmitter function and mental performance.
  • Panax Ginseng—Sourced from the roots of Panax Ginseng plants, this herb is considered a cognitive enhancer because it contains several active ingredients that may reduce stress, improve brain energy, and influence the release of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine to support prefrontal cortex executive functions, like concentration, mental clarity, and memory.
  • Bacopa Monnieri— Native to wetlands in India and other parts of Asia, Bacopa Monnieri is an herb that is thought to elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, which are crucial for maintaining cognitive functions in the prefrontal cortex.
  • Rhodiola Rosea—Rhodiola, sourced from mountain regions across Europe and Asia, is considered an adaptogen because its roots help your body adapt to stress. In addition to decreasing stress, Rhodiola rosea has also been shown to improve learning and memory in animal studies. Although more research is needed, the potential for rhodiola rosea to boost cognitive performance and support ADHD management in humans is promising.

Prescription medication nootropics

  • Methylphenidate—Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in the FDA-approved ADHD prescription drug Ritalin. It works by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. Studies indicate that methylphenidate drugs enhance cognitive performance, specifically by improving working memory, reaction time variability, and response inhibition. Although, effective as a traditional ADHD medication methylphenidate may induce side effects, including: insomnia, dizziness, agitation, and, even, growth delay among children who are prescribed the drug for ADHD symptoms.

Synthetic Nootropics

  • Caffeine—Caffeine is a stimulant known for its ability to improve alertness. It works by blocking receptors in the brain that regulate sleep and promote relaxation. In addition to stimulating the brain, caffeine may also boost concentration by increasing dopamine levels.
  • L-Theanine—L-Theanine is an amino acid sourced from green and black tea and is known for its stress-reducing effects. This nootropic is also studied for its ability to improve alertness and focus. Research indicates that pairing L-Theanine with caffeine can improve focus and cognitive performance. 
  • Cerebrolysin—Cerebrolysin is a peptide compound that mimics endogenous neurotrophic factors, which are proteins in the brain crucial for enhancing neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Acting as a synthetic nootropic, cerebrolysin helps reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and improves communication between neurons, thereby boosting learning and memory. It has been extensively studied for its effects on cognitive functions and cognitive decline in stroke and Alzheimer’s patients. Additionally, cerebrolysin may help alleviate ADHD symptoms and improve overall brain health by enhancing neuroplasticity and reducing oxidative stress, though more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Alternative Cognitive-Boosting Treatments

NAD+ is an essential coenzyme that plays a direct role in regulating mitochondrial function in every cell in our body. Efficient mitochondrial function is crucial to brain health and cognition as it ensures that neurons have enough energy to support communication between cells and neurotransmitter release which are high-energy processes essential to memory and attention. Research indicates potential for improving ADHD symptoms related mitochondrial dysfunction, but more targeted studies are needed to confirm.

Which nootropic supplement is best for ADHD management?

While natural nootropic supplements (and synthetic nootropics) can ameliorate symptoms related to ADHD, they are not a cure for ADHD. Even natural nootropic supplements can interact with other drugs (including traditional ADHD medication)  and cause side effects, like headaches and nausea so it is best to work with your physician before starting any new smart drug regimens. 

Determining a ‘best nootropic’ for brain health really comes down to your symptoms, cognitive function goals, and other medications you are currently taking. Prescription nootropics may prompt significant ADHD symptom improvements, but they also may promote unwanted side effects. While improvements in cognitive function and mental clarity from natural nootropics may be subtler. 

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