Latest infographic: Nootropics: Optimising cognitive function

Nootropics — natural compounds that support brain function — are gaining recognition for their role in helping maintain cognitive performance across adulthood. Cognitive health is essential for focus, memory, learning, and emotional resilience, yet it is easily challenged by factors like stress, ageing, poor sleep, hormonal changes, and environmental exposures.

Cognitive function relies on a complex network involving neurotransmitters, synaptic plasticity, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, cerebral blood flow, and neuronal energy metabolism. Disruptions in these systems can impair information processing, memory, attention, and mood regulation.

Emerging research highlights the potential of nootropics to support cognitive health by modulating neurotransmitters, enhancing neuroprotection, improving circulation, and promoting neuronal resilience. Key nootropics such as Alpinia galanga, Bacopa monnieri, L-theanine, lutein, zeaxanthin, and Ginkgo biloba show promising evidence for improving focus, memory, mental energy, and stress resilience without the drawbacks of caffeine.

This infographic explores how non-caffeine nootropics act through multiple brain pathways to optimise cognitive function and support sharper thinking and learning across the lifespan.