Nootropics

1. LTP Applications Explored By Lindsay and Krebs Abelard Lindsay is a person who does not have fancy medical or science titles attached to his name, but he was able to explore nootropics and discover their cognitive boosting effects first- hand, gaining solid knowledge and experience with them. As an information technology expert he knew how to divide a problem into manageable parts, solve them in steps and then obtain a successful outcome by assembling the individual results – this is the path he adopted to create CILTEP. His colleague, Roy Krebs, was curious about the exploration and studies done by Abelard and joined him to create CILTEP. The unique feature in the approach adopted by Krebs and Lindsay for nootropics marketing consisted in the development of the supplement component list in a way that is similar to what is known in computer science as ‘open source.’ The development process is accomplished with public participations and direct invitations for individuals to communicate and share their experience with nootropics. Even their most popular products were created and adjusted with feedback from users. Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) Long-term potentiation is a normal biological process that consists in the strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons in response to stimulation exerted at both ends of the nerve at the same time. The process is believed to play a huge role in complex brain functions like memory and learning. Strong, vivid memories translate at the cellular level into pathways that were extensively used and thus very active. LTP is a crucial component of synaptic plasticity, which is the method of brain structure modification over time in response to new mental demands. After exploring several Long-Term Potentiation studies performed on animals (2011), Lindsay was determined to go deeper in his research and find a method to apply these brain enhancing properties associated with nootropics to improve his cognitive function and gain feedback from other individuals. Essential Biochemical Facts The PDE4 enzyme neutralizes cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP is a chemical messenger in nerve cells that facilitates DNA transcription in the cell nucleus for the purpose of protein production required for neuron development (consisting of dendrites that elongate to create new connections with neighbouring neurons). LTP generates a high production of cyclic AMP, which results in a series of physiologic events translating into memory enhancement, learning and other beneficial effects that individuals enthusiastic about nootropics are looking to improve. Facilitating LTP Processes The perfect pharmaceutical intervention to facilitate LTP is to block the PDE4 enzyme while increasing the synthesis of cyclic AMP. Other available alternatives have been investigated, but

2. poor outcomes have been obtained. An example is Rolipram, which was quite successfully implemented in laboratory mice; however, even a small dosage would cause vomiting in human test participants. Abelard’s research led to the discovery of artichoke extract, which appeared to act as a natural inhibitor of the PDE4 cellular enzyme. It was eliminated in a slow manner from the body, which led to prolonged effects, but the stimulation wasn’t excessive. Abelard also investigated Forskolin, a remedy used traditionally in the Indian medicine, which also appeared to enhance cAMP production. This mix of components, according to Abelard, created a rapid boost in his desire to study, and he also felt like he had an enhanced ability to learn. For more than two years, he investigated and made adjustments to what is now known as the “CILTEP” supplement, which is short for Chemically Induced LTP. The development and refining of the supplements was open-sourced on the Longecity.org forum, in which the CILTEP thread is highly visible. Results The majority of CILTEP consumers experienced an enhanced desire to learn new material and also an improved memory fixation of new information. Self-reports made by Lindsay also documented a considerable improvement in his motivation to learn more, and he engaged in many online courses that facilitated productivity improvements in his career, and helped him graduate. Supplement consumers also noted a significant mood improvement. The reports contained one unpleasant adverse effect, though, which is sleepiness. It was caused by the decreased sensitivity or up-regulation of an enzyme called Acetylcholine Esterase, which translates into a diminished concentration of acetylcholine in brain cells and induced sleepiness. To address this minor problem, Lindsay incorporated Acetyl-Carnitine in his formula, which improves the sensitivity of the enzyme and reduces its up-regulation. (It is important to note, however, that neurologists firmly believe in the memory-enhancing properties of good sleep, so the collateral effect is not so harmful after all) Lindsay advises against using CILTEP in combination with powerful stimulant drugs, but caffeine intake is acceptable. Neuroscience Research: Maintaining High Levels of Brain Activity Prevents Dementia A team of researchers at the Rush University Medical Center studied a group of 294 individuals aged over 55 years. Their memory abilities were investigated for six years, and those who died during this period had their brains evaluated for signs and symptoms of dementia. These results were correlated with previous self-reports consisting of daily mental activities and how their brains were utilized, which enabled the formulation of connections between one’s lifestyle and brain function in aging individuals. The results revealed that individuals who consistently engaged in mentally demanding, intellectual tasks delayed their mental degeneration by as much as 15 percent when compared

3. to individuals who benefited from less mental stimulation. The results are not surprising, since it is widely known that poorly used functions and bodily structures are gradually lost.