It's funny - because folks typically don't associate ALA with cognitive performance. You won't hear folks talking about it in the context of nootropics, usually, and it doesn't get enough attention in the brain performance optimization arena. 

But it's powerful, is a nootropic in every sense of the word, and even increases the quantity of a focus based neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine. Interesting right? 

But, as we'll discuss in the video below, there's much more to it. In fact, studies on ALA, otherwise known as Alpha Lipoic Acid, demonstrate the following: 

1. ALA not only increases acetylcholine concentrations in the brain, but decreases an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, called Acetylcholinesterase. Translation? More acetylcholine available for circulation, promoting excitatory neurotransmission (focus, working memory, mental fluidity). (Data)
2. ALA crosses over the blood brain barrier, into the brain, and acts as an anti-oxidant. People are overly focused on merely speeding up existing brain function, rather than clearing waste from brain neurons and facilitating better functionality that way. ALA is epically nootropic in this regard. 
3. This is quite amazing: ALA is neuro-restorative, in that given to rats post stroke, it actually increased markers for neurogenesis and cellular repair. (Data)
4. Self Hacked's contention is that through the optimization of acetylcholine, a system that goes awry in Alzheimer's patients, ALA is able to improve cognitive function in neuro-degenerative diseases. I agree, and this should not be overlooked. (Data)

But - that's not all. My own anecdotal experience with taking the compound in 50-75MG quantities is that it seems to clear out brain "gunk" and put me in a super clear, super functional brain state. I can literally feel my brain working faster (9 years of nootropics usage + meditation has sensitized me to the subtlest of changes in processing speed), and my todo list always seems profoundly easier. I just want to get to work. 

In the video below, I explain some of this stuff, and talk the compound up, explaining its neuroprotective effects, its modulation of the cholinergic system, and why I regard it as a powerful nootropic compound. ENJOY!!

-- RYAN