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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Bianca Nogrady

Big brain boost? What science says about the power of nootropics to enhance our minds

A scientific drawing half section of a brain with green leaves, blueberries and pills around it
A lucrative market has sprung up dealing in so-called “natural” brain boosters claiming to improve brain health and cognitive performance, sharpen memory, reduce tiredness, lift mood, and even slow age-related neurodegeneration. Illustration: Guardian Design

The comedian and actor Hannah Gadsby quipped in her hit show Nanette that she identified as [pause for dramatic effect] “tired”. In a monologue that resonated with many hard truths, that one particularly struck home for me.

The common refrain is so many of us are exhausted, have trouble sleeping, can’t concentrate, and can’t seem to get even simple tasks done without a baffling amount of procrastination.

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