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New Post has been published on https://nootropix.com/photographic-memory-how-to/

Photographic Memory How-To: Nootropics and Mnemonic Devices 101

Photographic memory, or eidetic memory, is an ability to vividly recall images after seeing them for a short period of time. A Google search shows over 16.000 results on “photographic memory nootropics”. There are a lot of stack suggestions that can give you a photographic memory. Needless to say, that is just advertising to sell overpriced nootropic stacks with no scientific support. Of all the articles I read, no one of them answer the fundamental question: Does photographic memory exist, and is it possible to achieve with mnemonic techniques, training, and nootropics?

What is Photographic Memory?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary[1]

Eidetic is the technical adjective used to describe what we more commonly call a photographic memory. The word ultimately derives from the Greek noun eidos, meaning “form.” The ability of certain individuals to recall images, sounds, or events with uncanny accuracy is a subject of fascination for researchers in the field of psychology. Among notable people who were reputed to have eidetic memories is the late television comic Jackie Gleason, who reportedly was able to memorize an entire half-hour script in a single read-through.[2]

There are only two case studies of eidetic memory in scientific research. Let’s take a quick look at them.

Case 1: The Mind of a Mnemonist

The first case study of a subject with “incredible” memory was published by Russian psychologist Alexander Luria.

Solomon Shereshevsky

Alexander Luria was a famous Russian psychologist active in the mid-1900s. One day, when he wasn’t yet a world famous psychologist, a young man named Solomon Shereshevsky came to visit his lab. He was working as a reporter for a local newspaper, and he had come to the lab at the suggestion of his editor.

Each morning the editor would meet with the staff to give them a (long) list of assignments. To the astonishment of everyone, S. could memorize the entire list without taking a single note!

Intrigued, Luria took S. to his lab and began testing him by forcing S. to learn all kinds of complex mathematical formulas. And not only that but even poems in languages he could not speak! Once he was read the first four lines of Dante’s La Divina Commedia in Italian, a language he could not understand, and he was able to recite it in a matter of seconds!

So, how was he able to do so? On the basis of his studies, Luria diagnosed S. with a rare form of synesthesia, called ideasthesia.

Ideasthesia is a phenomenon in which letters, numbers, and other graphic objects, evoke a perception-like experience. Since we, as humans, are hardwired to remember visual concepts more efficiently than plain letters or numbers, an individual with ideasthesia can remember characters, numbers, and symbols by looking at them for just a few seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIF2tssedLI

And not only that – even if they do not understand what they actually mean (like in a foreign language), they can reverse engineer their perception of the sign/word/number to the actual physical representation. The basis of this technique is pretty much the same as the Method of Loci (more on that later), a technique used by mnemonists to remember many chunks of information that would otherwise be difficult to remember.

So what kind of visual perceptions did the Divine Comedy evoke?

The first line, Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita, he rendered into images this way: Nel, Nel’skaya, a ballerina; mezzo, she is together with (Russian vmeste) a man; del, there is a pack of Deli cigarettes near them; cammin, a fireplace (Russian kamin) is also close by; di, a hand is pointing toward a door (Russian dver); nos, a man has fallen and gotten his nose (Russian nos) pinched in a doorway (Russian tra); vita, the man steps over a child, a sign of life — vitalism; and so on, for 48 syllables.[3]

In 1968, after S.’s death, Luria published a book of his findings, The Mind of a Mnemonist. He wrote it for a non-scientific audience and I recommend it to anyone. The translated version can be easily found on the web with a quick Google search.

Case 2: The Girl with Eidetic Memory

Fast forward to the 1970s. A Harvard scientist named Charles Stromeyer III publishes a paper about a girl with an incredible ability. He gave her a sheet of paper with a pattern of 10,000 random dots, and one day later another with a different pattern of dots.

The girl was able to fuse the pattern together in his mind and form a stereogram, which she saw as a three-dimensional image floating above the surface. A couple of days later, when asked by the researcher, she could draw each pattern with astonishing accuracy.

The case study of Elizabeth – this is the name of the girl – was published in Nature. However, in a cheap soap opera turn of events, the researcher later married the girl, and she was never tested again.

A random dot pattern like the one given to Elizabeth

A couple of years later, in 1979, a researcher named John Merrit published the results of an eidetic memory test he had placed in magazines all over the country. After seeing Elizabeth results, he had hoped that someone might come forward and prove, once and for all, the existence of photographic memory. He figured that over 1 million people had tried the test. However, of the 30 people that were able to figure it correctly, he went on to visit 15 of them, and nobody could repeat the experiment when the scientist was looking over his or her shoulders.

So how was Elizabeth able to succeed in the test? Did she have some weird memory superpower? Apparently, it is now known that the Elizabeth study was not real, but rather a prank between friends that got out of hand. nthomas from the Straight Dope forum explains it:[4]

When I was in a graduate seminar on the psychology of memory (about 16 years ago, at a major university) I was told by the professor, an expert in the field, that the “discovery” was, in fact, a hoax. As he told the story, “Elizabeth” was actually the girlfriend of the researcher, who had been talking to her about his interest in eidetic imagery. He had a reputation, however, for being rather gullible, and, for a joke, she, and a group of his other friends, cooked up a fake demonstration of her amazing eidetic powers. He was completely taken in, and became very excited at his amazing “discovery”. But before “Elizabeth” and her friends had the time (or maybe the heart) to let the victim in on the joke, things had got out of hand, and the discovery was already well known, and, before long, published. The etiquette of scientific publication would make it difficult to get a story like this into the formal record, and, anyway, psychologists probably do not want it too widely known how easily they can be taken in. (Perhaps, also, people were reluctant to ruin the career of the poor, duped but not dishonest, researcher.) […]I got the impression from my professor that the hoax story was quite well known amongst memory researchers. Furthermore, my impression is that psychological opinion over whether eidetic imagery (as distinct from the ordinary, relatively unreliable, memory imagery, that nearly everyone experiences) really exists, is still much more divided than Cecil seems to believe. It may be the majority opinion that it is real, but a respectable minority of researchers have their doubts. The amazing abilities of “Elizabeth” do still occasionally get mentioned in the reputable psychological literature, however. Some serious scientists do seem to believe it. I myself am no longer sufficiently close to the “in group” of memory psychologists to have heard the hoax story again, or to check out how widely it is known or believed.

So there you have it: the only recorded case of a genuine photographic memory among ordinary human beings is, very likely, a hoax.

Kim Peek

That’s not to said that there aren’t folks with a really good memory. Kim Peek, the famous savant who was the inspiration behind Rain Man, could supposedly memorize each page of a 9,000 plus pages book, reading at a rate of 8 to 12 seconds per page (each eye reads its own page). This hasn’t been thoroughly tested, however.

The American actress and author Marilu Henner, on the other hand, can supposedly remember every day of his life. Again, this has not been tested, and may just be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Another savant, Stephen Wiltshire, has been called the “human camera” for his ability to draw things precisely after seeing them for only a few seconds. However, again, as precise as it is, he takes liberties, so it is not clear if he truly has a “photographic” memory, but it is very, very close.

Stephen Wiltshire

How to Develop Photographic Memory

Solomon, Kim, and Stephen are truly fascinating cases, but they are not normal guys – they have very rare abilities. So, can a normal human being develop photographic memory (or the closest thing to it)?

The answer is No. Photographic memory can’t be achieved, not even by using nootropics. The brain is not a Xerox machine. But, by taking nootropics and learning a few techniques, we can develop an exceptional memory.

However, first, we have to understand what memory is and what we can do to improve it.

Memory: What is It, How to Improve it

There are several stages of memory formation: memory acquisition/encoding, working memory/short-term memory, long-term memory/consolidation, memory retrieval, and reconsolidation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq0aQAG0A3o

Five major pathways are essential for the formation, retrieval and reconsolidation of memory: Dopamine, Choline, Norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors, AMPA, and neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, NGF).

Dopamine helps focus, motivation and general cognition[5]

Choline is essential for short-term memory and memory consolidation

Norepinephrine is a memory modulator[6] and it’s essential for memory retrieval[7]

AMPA improves synaptic plasticity a strengthen synapses

BDNF is important for long-term memory[8], learning, and synaptogenesis[9]

NGF is also important for neurons health, and memory, but only in old subjects, as it actually impaired memory when given to young rats[10], so we’re not going to focus on it too much. Same for norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors, GDNF, Sigma, cAMP, PKA, CRE, CREBs and other minor neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. Before we begin looking at the different memory-enhancing nootropics, I want to stress the fact that every individual has a different level of neurotransmitters due to their personal body chemistry.

Normally these slight variations do not have a negative effect, the just make us the way we are, they help us forge our personality. However, when the level of one or more neurotransmitters becomes dangerously low or high, or there is a loss of neurons, a mental disease can develop[11].

Parkinson’s (loss of dopamine neurons) schizophrenia (excessive dopamine), Alzheimer’s (loss of cholinergic receptors), ADHD (low dopamine) are examples of psychological and physical issues caused in part by neurotransmitter levels. However, we have slight differences even between perfectly healthy humans. This explains why a stimulant may improve focus and cognition in one individual, but worsen it by causing anxiety and paranoia in another – or how an anxiolytic agent may cause sleepiness is one subject, and enhance cognition in another by reducing his mind chatter.

A hypothesis is presented for an inverse relationship between monoaminergic and cholinergic systems in the modulation of implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) cognitive processes. It is postulated that muscarinic cholinergic receptors and monoaminergic systems facilitate unconscious and conscious processes, respectively, and they disfacilitate conscious and unconscious processes, respectively (the purported inverse relationship). In fact, the muscarinic and monoaminergic modulations of a neural network are proposed to be finely balanced such that, if the activity of one receptor system is modified then this by necessity has effects on the other system. [12]

The suggestions I am going to give you in the chapter below are nootropic drugs and supplements that are known to have a positive effect in the majority of people, but, as said before: your mileage may vary.

Vasopressin & Desmopressin

Vasopressin is a peptide hormone that works by limiting the amount of water that is eliminated in the urine. Only qualified physicians should use it as it is extremely dangerous. There is evidence that suggests that it either strongly improves memory or has no effect at all.[13] [14]. Another study showed that a Vasopressin analog, DDAVP, does improve memory, but only in males[15]

Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of Vasopressin. It is easier to get, but also less effective according to anecdotal experiences on the web.

Since it is extremely dangerous and the research is not definitive, we suggest to avoid it altogether.

Modafinil

Modafinil is dopaminergic and histaminergic stimulant, and may well be the most well known and effective smart drug. We know by now that some histamine receptors (like H3), can reduce sleepiness and improve attention. While Modafinil has no true memory-enhancing effect, it is essential in any stack to improve focus, a required condition to make photographic memory work. For more information read our Modafinil overview.

Hydergine & Nicergoline

Hydergine, (brand name of Dihydroergotoxine mesylate), is an ergoline (a derivative of the ergot fungus), the same family of compounds like LSD, and was used as a treatment for vascular dementia[16] [17] and Alzheimer’s disease, even though it rarely gets used anymore due to lack of efficacy.

One of the reasons may be the fact that effective doses are higher than those normally prescribed.[18] [19]

Unlike LSD, Hydergine doesn’t have any psychedelic effect, but it has several supposed benefits as a cognitive enhancer:[20]

Increases blood supply and oxygen to the brain.

Enhances brain cell metabolism.

Protects the brain from free-radical damage during de­creased or increased oxygen supply.

Speeds the elimination of age pigment (lipofuscin) in the brain.

Inhibits free-radical activity.

Increases intelligence, memory, learning, and recall.

Normalizes systolic blood pressure.

Lowers abnormally high cholesterol levels in some cases.

Reduces symptoms of tiredness.

Reduces symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Hydergine also competes in dopamine and serotonin deficits[21] and stimulates norepinephrine release,[22] but by a simultaneous blockade of postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors it also blocks excessive norepinephrine release,[23] thus helping rebalance monoamines.

Hydergine stacks well with Piracetam and other racetams as they enhance each others’ efficacy. According to anecdotal experiences on the web, it also seems to improve creativity – particularly in music and arts – and promotes concept association. This makes it one of the most interesting compounds as far as photographic memory is concerned, especially when paired with one or more of the techniques that I’m going to explain below.

Nicergoline is another ergoline, also used in vascular dementia. A study showed that Nicergoline improves learning and memory equal to or better than Piracetam, Centrophenoxine, Pyritinol, and DMAE.[24] According to a few nootropic users that tried both Hydergine and Nicergoline, the latter is smoother and more effective than Hydergine. Nicergoline has a “clean, focused, expansive feeling of peaceful energy” compared to the “edginess” of Hydergine,[25] but some like Hydergine as it also improves physical performance[26].

Ergolines are thought to cause drug-induced valvulopathy, but both Nicergoline and Hydergine have never shown any adverse effect on cardiovascular health and the risk is extremely low.[27] That said, people with heart disease should avoid taking either of them.

NSI-189

Chemical structure of NSI-189

NSI-189 is a drug developed by Neuralstem as a treatment for depression. We know that depression damages the hippocampus[28], and NSI helps reduce this damage.

Not only that, but the hippocampus is also essential for memory consolidation, this is why a lot of nootropic users are experimenting with it. For more information read our recent article on NSI-189.

Centrophenoxine

Centrophenoxine, also known as Meclofenoxate, is a cholinergic compound. It is an ester of dimethylethanolamine (DMAE), a nootropic agent, and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (pCPA). Compared to other cholinergic compounds like CDP-Choline and Alpha GPC, Centrophenoxine also has antioxidant activity in the brain[29], has a slight stimulating effect[30] and also removes beta amyloid plaque[31] that is thought to have a major role in Alzheimer’s disease.

PRL-8-53

PRL-8-53 is a benzoic acid derivative developed in the 1970s[32] by professor Nikolaus Hansl at Creighton University.

In 1979 a double-blind trial of PRL-8-53 on 47 human subjects was published.[33] 5 mg of PRL-8-53 were administrated 2-2.5 hours before the study session.

Those who took PRL-8-53 had an improvement in recalling of words compared to placebo[34], particularly in those with a low baseline (poor performers), who had an improvement of 87.5-105%[35]. The high performers had a non-statistically significant improvement of 7.9-14%. The drug was particularly effective in subjects over the age of 30. No side effects were ever reported.

The mechanism of PRL-8-53 is still shrouded in mystery, but it seems to enhance cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission while inhibiting serotonin, acting somewhat like the combined effects of Piracetam and Modafinil.

Racetams

Racetams are a family of compounds with a pyrrolidinone nucleus. The first of this class was Piracetam, a drug originally developed as a sleep aid by Corneliu E. Giurgea, but when tested on animals it was found to improve memory. It is the prototypical nootropic and it is still used in clinical practice in Europe as a treatment for mild dementia, while in the US in is an over the counter nutritional supplement.

Aniracetam is an AMPAkine, a drug that acts on the AMPA receptors. AMPA is important for LTP (long-term potentiation), the process by which the brain strengthen the synapses. Aniracetam is also classified as an anxiolytic, as it reduces anxiety.[36] Anecdotal experiences also note increased creativity and concepts association with Aniracetam.[37]

Pramiracetam is another cognitive-enhancing racetam. Other than acting on choline or AMPA, like other racetams, Pramiracetam also increases nitric oxide[38] and this may play a role in his cognitive enhancing effects[39] by improving blood circulation in the brain through vasodilatation.

Phenylpiracetam is a more potent analog of Piracetam. Compared to Piracetam, it also has stimulant effects, (and in fact, it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in professional sports), as well as anticonvulsant activity.[40] It also improves microcirculation in the brain.[41]

Coluracetam enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU). In animals studies, it had long lasting pro-cognitive effects[42] and it’s currently being researched as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

Fasoracetam is novel racetam which has been researched in a clinical trial as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)[43]. It is neuroprotective and improves memory by modulating certain glutamate receptors[44] and upregulates GABA-B receptors with chronic use[45]

Other commonly available nootropic Racetams are Oxiracetam and Nefiracetam but they are not as useful as the other mentioned for photographic memory, so we’re not going to cover them. [cm_product_recommend]

Selegiline

Selegiline is MAO-B inhibitor. Monoamine oxide (MAO) recycle monoamines and trace amines (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, melatonin, histamine, phenethylamine, etc) by oxidizing them, thus making them inactive. Each of them has a different role in mood, arousal, and cognition.

There are two monoamine oxides: MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A oxidizes mainly serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine while MAO-B oxidizes trace amines. Dopamine is the only monoamine that is equally oxidized by both. By avoiding this process, MAO inhibitors raise the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, thus acting as antidepressants, stimulants, and anxiolytics. Generally, MAO-B inhibitors are safer as they very rarely cause serotonin syndrome or the infamous “cheese effect”.

In my personal experience, Selegiline is great to increase attention span and motivation. It also gives me that “quick wit” necessary to learn (and master) novel concepts. However, it is not incredibly powerful as a memory enhancer, so it is best combined with a Racetam and a Cholinergic nootropic.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid extracted from Huperzia Serrata. It is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA antagonist. Some studies report a beneficial effect in Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not commonly used in modern medicine. The alkaloid is chiral, having both the left (levo) and right (dextro) enantiomer. The racemic (1:1) mixture of the left and right enantiomer is the most common form, but L-Huperzine A is slightly more effective.

It is important not to take an excessive dose of Huperzine as it is also a NMDA antagonist, which could impair cognition acutely, 150 milligrams a day is the maximum I can personally take before it starts giving me brain fog. The best effect comes after around 1 week of continuous dosing, and after 2 weeks a noticeable tolerance arises. As such, I strictly use it only in the last week before the exam.

Bacopa

Bacopa has been shown in studies to relieve anxiety, improve cognition, and enhance memory formation.[46][47] In a rat study, Bacopa increased the levels of serotonin and enhanced the gene expression of serotonin transporters[48], thus reducing the symptoms anxiety and depression.

Other Nootropics

Even though it is not a “true” nootropic, it is a good idea to supplement Vitamin D, especially in places far away from the equator. Vitamin D is essential for dopamine production[49] and expression of GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, essential for dopaminergic neurons’ health).[50]

Other essential nootropics for a photographic memory stack are Acetylcholine Precursors. We mentioned Centrophenoxine, which is one of the most effective, but there are also CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC and Choline bitartrate.

Uridine is a natural compound found in tiny quantities in beer and other foods. It is extremely important for the correct functioning of dopaminergic receptors[51] [52] and it is even more powerful when combined with CDP-Choline, and Fish Oil. In fact, when taken with Fish Oil, it had a powerful antidepressant effect comparable to antidepressant drugs, in rats.[53]

Last but not least, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), especially when taken together, are very good for memory and general brain and physical health. Edit: I’ve noticed that ALA makes me very tired and distracted, so I no longer recommend it. I much prefer N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant.

Photographic Memory Stacks

Coluracetam + PRL-8-53

This stack has been suggested by the users of our nootropics group. The combination of Coluracetam and PRL-8-53 seems to be the holy grail of nootropics by looking at the personal experiences on the web. The criticism we found about this stack is that PRL-8-53 cannot be used every day because it tends to build a tolerance to the positive effects pretty quickly. Also, dizziness was mentioned when using higher doses of PRL-8-53 (>10 mg).

Sunifiram + Noopept

This combination is extremely potent, as it acts on both BDNF and NGF (Noopept), as well as AMPA (Sunifiram), and, most important of all, it is extremely cheap, the cheapest photographic memory stack you can get. I would also add a choline source as Sunifiram has the tendency to cause headaches, and a choline source should help with this side effect. CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC, and Centrophenoxine are the best, but, if you are on a tight budget, Choline Bitartrate or Citrate, or even just Lecithin granules will suffice.

It is important to use low doses of this stack as it is extremely potent and could cause overexcitability (and impair cognition) and excessive glutamate release in high doses. The good idea is to take NMDA antagonist like Memantine or Huperzine A. If you end up using Huperzine A, do not take it with a choline source because excessive choline will cause depression and anxiety.

Stack 1

Modafinil 150 mg

Piracetam 4.8 g

Alpha GPC 750 mg

Bacopa 500 mg (50% bacosides)

Lion’s Mane 1-3 gr (30% polysaccharide)

Picamilon 50-250 mg

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500-750 mg

This stack covers all the five main points in cognitive enhancement: choline, dopamine, neurotrophic factors, vasodilatation, relaxation.

To benefit from photographic memory, it is essential to have the motivation to read and focus on the material we are trying to memorize. This is where Modafinil comes in.

Piracetam, Alpha GPC and Bacopa help memorization, Lion’s Mane strengthens synapses, Bacopa & Picamilon help reduce anxiety as well as enhance memory consolidation.

Stack 2

Noopept 20-30 mg (sublingual)

Fasoracetam 10-15 mg (sublingual)

Centrophenoxine 500 mg

N-Acetyl-Tyrosine 750 mg

Ginkgo 240 mg (24% flavone glycosides)

Bacopa 500 mg (50% bacosides)

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Here we have Noopept and Fasoracetam to enhance cognition and learning, Centrophenoxine as a choline source, NALT for that extra dopamine boost and Bacopa & Ginkgo to enhance memory and mood, as they are thought to augment each other.[54]

Stack 3

Pramiracetam 400 mg

Aniracetam 500 mg

CDP Choline 750 mg

Caffeine 100 mg

L-Theanine 200 mg

Vinpocetine 15 mg

ALCAR 500 mg

All Natural Stack

Rhodiola

Bacopa

Ginkgo

Huperzine A

Vinpocetine

Lion’s Mane

L-Theanine

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Photographic Memory Methods

There are four methods (mnemonic devices) that can help us on our path to photographic memory.

Speed Reading

Method of Loci

Dark Adaptation

Tachistoscope Emulation

Each one of them has his pros and cons. You don’t have to learn all four of them, typically Speed reading and the Method of loci work best together, and Dark adaptation method and Tachistoscope emulation have the same theory behind so you only have to learn either one or the other.

Speed reading

Jimmy Carter and his daughter in a Speed Reading class

Speed reading is a technique in which the trained speed reader can read faster by removing subvocalization (sounding out each word when reading) and all the unnecessary movements that an untrained eye does when reading a text, particularly books.

There are two main methods to make reading faster: Skimming and Scanning, and Meta guiding.

Since it is a long subject to cover, and the article is already pretty long, I’m not going to cover it here, but in a future article. For more information watch the video below, and consider buying Speed Reading book or try this Udemy course.

Method of Loci

The Method of Loci, frequently known as Memory Palaces consists of associating words and numbers to mental images. It is frequently known by mnemonists and professional poker players to remember a big array of things, such as cards. Usually, it is done by visualizing in the brain a place you remember in every detail (like your home) and placing the things you want to remember in the form of evocative images (Loci).

To make it work, the Locis have to be something generic and not overly complicated, but at the same time have one, two or more distinct details that make them unforgettable. Since the brain works through association, it is even better if you associate the Loci to something you have personally experienced, like a memory or feeling. Be creative! The most effective ways to create Locis is to think like you were still a kid – in fact, the majority of kids do actually have photographic memory due to their highly graphical memory and thinking.

Still confused? Watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JnDBYf9odc

Dark Adaptation Method

According to the Opponent-Process Theory of Color Vision, whenever it suddently shifts to dark, a photo-negative image of what we were seeing gets stuck on the retina. This is the same concept behind the famous Jesus eye illusion on the right.

A blogger tried this method, and had incredible success with it.[55][56] Of course, anecdotal experiences should be taken with a grain of salt, but his results were so good that it demands a try.

Instructions

1. This system will take 1 month for you to develop a photographic memory, you must take 15 minutes every day and dedicate it to this training. For the first month, your eyes will take about 5 minutes time to adjust to daylight reading.

2. Find a dark room in your house, free of distractions for 15 minutes. I use the bathroom. The room must have a bright lamp or ceiling lamp.

3. Sit down next to the light switch with your book and paper that has a rectangular hole cut out of it the size of a paragraph.

4. Cover the page, exposing only one paragraph and hold the book out in front of you. Close your eyes and open, adjust distance so that your eyes focus instantly with ease on the writing.

5. Turn off light. You will see an after glow as your eyes adjust to the dark. Flip light on for a split second and then off again.

6. You will have a visual imprint in your eyes of the material that was in front of you. When this imprint fades, flip the light on again for a split second, again staring at the material.

7. Repeat this process until you can recall every word in the paragraph in order. You will be able to actually see the paragraph and read it from the imprint in your mind.

Tips & Warnings

Do not get discouraged, it will work. It has been working for the military for 70 years.

You will be developing this technique to a point where you will be able to execute this during the day, all day.

Omitting even one day, can prolong training by as much as a week.

  Tachistoscope Emulation

The Tachistoscope emulation is a variation of the Dark adaptation method.

In World War II one way to help aircrew gunners improve their aircraft identification skills was to use a device called the tachistoscope. A tachistoscope is a device that flashes an image for just a few hundredth of a second. It was developed in 1904 at the Institute of Experimental Psychology at Leipzig University in Germany. The technique is described here. To make it work, you need a tachistoscope/image flashing app or software.

When the gunners were in darkened rooms during this training, their eyes became dark adapted. It was found that many of them were holding on to the split-second images after the images were no longer on the screen. With dark adapted eyes, the images could be retained for a few seconds.

A study was set up to see just what could be done with these retained images. The images were positives instead of the more familiar negative images you get if you stare fixedly for a few seconds at a picture or scene, then look away. Some subjects got so good at the process that after seeing a very short duration image of a page in a book, they could then read the page, from somewhere inside their heads. […]

The fact that some of the study participants could acquire a readable image of a whole book page suggests that their peripheral vision happened to be, or became, more acute than that normally found in the general population. […] The first few hundred times you try this, you’ll probably get blurred images because your eyeballs aren’t yet convinced to hold still during the exposure. The images will be there but doubled, usually vertically. […]

With lots of work, assuming you haven’t been put away, you should find that text in books shows up in blurry fashion, unreadable, but recognizable as fuzzy text. Large print documents may bring more rewarding results. As time goes on the acuity should improve to the point of readability.

  Conclusion

Is having a photographic memory achievable? And is it something we would want, on a daily basis? I would like to conclude this post with a quote from Luria’s book:

“What effect does a remarkable capacity for memory have on other major aspects of personality, on an individual’s habits of thought and imagination, on his behavior and personality development? What changes occur in a person’s inner world, in his relationships with others, in his very lifestyle when one element of his psychic makeup, his memory, develops to such an uncommon degree that it begins to alter every other aspect of his activity?” – A.R. Luria [cm_product_recommend]

Related Posts

References   [ + ]

1, 2. ↑ Definition of Eidetic by Merriam-Webster 3. ↑ The Straight Dope: Is there such a thing as “photographic memory”? 4. ↑ Photographic memory – eidetic hoax – Straight Dope message board 5. ↑ Relative contributions of severe dopaminergic neuron ablation and dopamine depletion to cognitive impairment. (2015) 6. ↑ Emotional enhancement of memory: how norepinephrine enables synaptic plasticity (2010) 7. ↑ A Distinct Role for Norepinephrine in Memory Retrieval (2004) 8. ↑ BDNF is essential to promote persistence of long-term memory storage (2008) 9. ↑ An overview of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and implications for excitotoxic vulnerability in the hippocampus. (2001) 10. ↑ Human Nerve Growth Factor Improves Spatial Memory in Aged but Not in Young Rats (1994) 11, 12. ↑ Neuropharmacology of cognition and memory: a unifying theory of neuromodulator imbalance in psychiatry and amnesia. (2006) 13. ↑ A mnemonic role for vasopressin: the evidence for and against. (1985) 14. ↑ What is the importance of vasopressin in memory processes? (1983) 15. ↑ Vasopressin analog (DDAVP) improves memory in human males (1984) 16, 18. ↑ Overview of Clinical Trials of Hydergine in Dementia (1994) 17, 19. ↑ A controlled double-blind study of high-dose dihydroergotoxine mesylate (Hydergine) in mild dementia. (1987) 20. ↑ Full-Text Excerpt of Smart Drugs & Nutrients – Section 5 – Hydergine 21, 22, 23. ↑ Hydergine: interaction with the neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. (1985) 24. ↑ Effect of nicergoline on learning and memory. (1988) 25. ↑ Nicergoline – Longecity Forum 26. ↑ Nicergoline – Longecity Forum 27. ↑ Ergotamine and nicergoline – facts and myths. (2015) 28. ↑ Depression, antidepressants, and the shrinking hippocampus (2001) 29, 31. ↑ Age-related decline in multiple unit action potentials of CA3 region of rat hippocampus: correlation with lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin concentration and the effect of centrophenoxine (1993) 30. ↑ The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly (1977) 32. ↑ A novel spasmolytic and CNS active agent: 3-(2-benzylmethylamino ethyl) benzoic acid methyl ester hydrochloride. (1974) 33, 34, 35. ↑ PRL-8-53: enhanced learning and subsequent retention in humans as a result of low oral doses of new psychotropic agent. (1978) 36. ↑ Anxiolytic effects of aniracetam in three different mouse models of anxiety and the underlying mechanism. (2001) 37. ↑ Aniracetam for Creativity? Stack Advice – Reddit 38, 39. ↑ Systemic administration of pramiracetam increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the cerebral cortex of the rat. (1995) 40. ↑ Pharmacological characteristics of a new phenyl analog of piracetam–4-phenylpiracetam. (1983) 41. ↑ Comparative evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of phenotropil and piracetam in laboratory animals with experimental cerebral ischemia. (2007) 42. ↑ MKC-231, a choline-uptake enhancer: long-lasting cognitive improvement after repeated administration in AF64A-treated rats 43. ↑ Drug Profile Fasoracetam 44. ↑ A novel cognition enhancer NS-105 modulates adenylate cyclase activity through metabotropic glutamate receptors in primary neuronal culture. (1997) 45. ↑ Effect of a novel cognition enhancer NS-105 on learned helplessness in rats: possible involvement of GABA(B) receptor up-regulation after repeated treatment. (1997). 46. ↑ Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. 47. ↑ Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview. 48. ↑ Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation. 49. ↑ The vitamin D receptor in dopamine neurons; its presence in human substantia nigra and its ontogenesis in rat midbrain. (2010) 50. ↑ Vitamin D as an effective treatment approach for drug abuse and addiction (2013) 51. ↑ Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats. (2005) 52. ↑ Effects of chronic uridine on striatal dopamine release and dopamine-related behaviours in the absence or presence of chronic treatment with haloperidol. (1989) 53. ↑ Antidepressant-like effects of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids are potentiated by combined treatment in rats 54. ↑ The acute effects of combined administration of Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in humans. (2002) 55. ↑ Experiments in Photographic Memory (Phase 1: Guinea Pig) 56. ↑ Photographic Memory (Phase 2: Holy Shit)

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Photographic Memory How-To: Nootropics and Mnemonic Devices 101

Photographic memory, or eidetic memory, is an ability to vividly recall images after seeing them for a short period of time. A Google search shows over 16.000 results on “photographic memory nootropics”. There are a lot of stack suggestions that can give you a photographic memory. Needless to say, that is just advertising to sell overpriced nootropic stacks with no scientific support. Of all the articles I read, no one of them answer the fundamental question: Does photographic memory exist, and is it possible to achieve with mnemonic techniques, training, and nootropics?

What is Photographic Memory?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary[1]

Eidetic is the technical adjective used to describe what we more commonly call a photographic memory. The word ultimately derives from the Greek noun eidos, meaning “form.” The ability of certain individuals to recall images, sounds, or events with uncanny accuracy is a subject of fascination for researchers in the field of psychology. Among notable people who were reputed to have eidetic memories is the late television comic Jackie Gleason, who reportedly was able to memorize an entire half-hour script in a single read-through.[2]

There are only two case studies of eidetic memory in scientific research. Let’s take a quick look at them.

Case 1: The Mind of a Mnemonist

The first case study of a subject with “incredible” memory was published by Russian psychologist Alexander Luria.

Solomon Shereshevsky

Alexander Luria was a famous Russian psychologist active in the mid-1900s. One day, when he wasn’t yet a world famous psychologist, a young man named Solomon Shereshevsky came to visit his lab. He was working as a reporter for a local newspaper, and he had come to the lab at the suggestion of his editor.

Each morning the editor would meet with the staff to give them a (long) list of assignments. To the astonishment of everyone, S. could memorize the entire list without taking a single note.

Intrigued, Luria took S. to his lab and began testing him by forcing S. to learn all kinds of complex mathematical formulas. And not only that but even poems in languages he could not speak! Once he was read the first four lines of Dante’s La Divina Commedia in Italian, a language he could not understand, and he was able to recite it in a matter of seconds!

So, how was he able to do so? On the basis of his studies, Luria diagnosed S. with a rare form of synesthesia, called ideasthesia.

Ideasthesia is a phenomenon in which letters, numbers, and other graphic objects, evoke a perception-like experience. Since we, as humans, are hardwired to remember visual concepts more efficiently than plain letters or numbers, an individual with ideasthesia can remember characters, numbers, and symbols by looking at them for just a few seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIF2tssedLI

And not only that – even if they do not understand what they actually mean (like in a foreign language), they can reverse engineer their perception of the sign/word/number to the actual physical representation. The basis of this technique is pretty much the same as the Method of Loci (more on that later), a technique used by mnemonists to remember many chunks of information that would otherwise be difficult to remember.

So what kind of visual perceptions did the Divine Comedy evoke?

The first line, Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita, he rendered into images this way: Nel, Nel’skaya, a ballerina; mezzo, she is together with (Russian vmeste) a man; del, there is a pack of Deli cigarettes near them; cammin, a fireplace (Russian kamin) is also close by; di, a hand is pointing toward a door (Russian dver); nos, a man has fallen and gotten his nose (Russian nos) pinched in a doorway (Russian tra); vita, the man steps over a child, a sign of life — vitalism; and so on, for 48 syllables.[3]

In 1968, after S.’s death, Luria published a book of his findings, The Mind of a Mnemonist. He wrote it for a non-scientific audience and I recommend it to anyone. The translated version can be easily found on the web with a quick Google search.

Case 2: The Girl with Eidetic Memory

Fast forward to the 1970s. A Harvard scientist named Charles Stromeyer III publishes a paper about a girl with an incredible ability. He gave her a sheet of paper with a pattern of 10,000 random dots, and one day later another with a different pattern of dots.

The girl was able to fuse the pattern together in his mind and form a stereogram, which she saw as a three-dimensional image floating above the surface. A couple of days later, when asked by the researcher, she could draw each pattern with astonishing accuracy.

The case study of Elizabeth – this is the name of the girl – was published in Nature. However, in a cheap soap opera turn of events, the researcher later married the girl, and she was never tested again.

A random dot pattern like the one given to Elizabeth

A couple of years later, in 1979, a researcher named John Merrit published the results of an eidetic memory test he had placed in magazines all over the country. After seeing Elizabeth results, he had hoped that someone might come forward and prove, once and for all, the existence of photographic memory. He figured that over 1 million people had tried the test. However, of the 30 people that were able to figure it correctly, he went on to visit 15 of them, and nobody could repeat the experiment when the scientist was looking over his or her shoulders.

So how was Elizabeth able to succeed in the test? Did she have some weird memory superpower? Apparently, it is now known that the Elizabeth study was not real, but rather a prank between friends that got out of hand. nthomas from the Straight Dope forum explains it:[4]

When I was in a graduate seminar on the psychology of memory (about 16 years ago, at a major university) I was told by the professor, an expert in the field, that the “discovery” was, in fact, a hoax. As he told the story, “Elizabeth” was actually the girlfriend of the researcher, who had been talking to her about his interest in eidetic imagery. He had a reputation, however, for being rather gullible, and, for a joke, she, and a group of his other friends, cooked up a fake demonstration of her amazing eidetic powers. He was completely taken in, and became very excited at his amazing “discovery”. But before “Elizabeth” and her friends had the time (or maybe the heart) to let the victim in on the joke, things had got out of hand, and the discovery was already well known, and, before long, published. The etiquette of scientific publication would make it difficult to get a story like this into the formal record, and, anyway, psychologists probably do not want it too widely known how easily they can be taken in. (Perhaps, also, people were reluctant to ruin the career of the poor, duped but not dishonest, researcher.) […]I got the impression from my professor that the hoax story was quite well known amongst memory researchers. Furthermore, my impression is that psychological opinion over whether eidetic imagery (as distinct from the ordinary, relatively unreliable, memory imagery, that nearly everyone experiences) really exists, is still much more divided than Cecil seems to believe. It may be the majority opinion that it is real, but a respectable minority of researchers have their doubts. The amazing abilities of “Elizabeth” do still occasionally get mentioned in the reputable psychological literature, however. Some serious scientists do seem to believe it. I myself am no longer sufficiently close to the “in group” of memory psychologists to have heard the hoax story again, or to check out how widely it is known or believed.

So there you have it: the only recorded case of a genuine photographic memory among ordinary human beings is, very likely, a hoax.

Kim Peek

That’s not to said that there aren’t folks with a really good memory. Kim Peek, the famous savant who was the inspiration behind Rain Man, could supposedly memorize each page of a 9,000 plus pages book, reading at a rate of 8 to 12 seconds per page (each eye reads its own page). This hasn’t been thoroughly tested, however.

The American actress and author Marilu Henner, on the other hand, can supposedly remember every day of his life. Again, this has not been tested, and may just be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Another savant, Stephen Wiltshire, has been called the “human camera” for his ability to draw things precisely after seeing them for only a few seconds. However, again, as precise as it is, he takes liberties, so it is not clear if he truly has a “photographic” memory, but it is very, very close.

Stephen Wiltshire

How to Develop Photographic Memory

Solomon, Kim, and Stephen are truly fascinating cases, but they are not normal guys – they have very rare abilities. So, can a normal human being develop photographic memory (or the closest thing to it)?

The answer is No. A normal human can’t develop a photographic memory, not even by using nootropics. BUT, by taking nootropics and learning a few techniques, we can develop a very good, almost-eidetic memory.

However, first, we have to understand what memory is and what we can do to improve it.

Memory: What is It, How to Improve it

There are several stages of memory formation: memory acquisition/encoding, working memory/short-term memory, long-term memory/consolidation, memory retrieval, and reconsolidation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq0aQAG0A3o

Five major pathways are essential for the formation, retrieval and reconsolidation of memory: Dopamine, Choline, Norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors, AMPA, and neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, NGF).

Dopamine helps focus, motivation and general cognition[5]

Choline is essential for short-term memory and memory consolidation

Norepinephrine is a memory modulator[6] and it’s essential for memory retrieval[7]

AMPA improves synaptic plasticity a strengthen synapses

BDNF is important for long-term memory[8], learning, and synaptogenesis[9]

NGF is also important for neurons health, and memory, but only in old subjects, as it actually impaired memory when given to young rats[10], so we’re not going to focus on it too much. Same for norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors, GDNF, Sigma, cAMP, PKA, CRE, CREBs and other minor neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. Before we begin looking at the different memory-enhancing nootropics, I want to stress the fact that every individual has a different level of neurotransmitters due to their personal body chemistry.

Normally these slight variations do not have a negative effect, the just make us the way we are, they help us forge our personality. However, when the level of one or more neurotransmitters becomes dangerously low or high, or there is a loss of neurons, a mental disease can develop[11].

Parkinson’s (loss of dopamine neurons) schizophrenia (excessive dopamine), Alzheimer’s (loss of cholinergic receptors), ADHD (low dopamine) are examples of psychological and physical issues caused in part by neurotransmitter levels. However, we have slight differences even between perfectly healthy humans. This explains why a stimulant may improve focus and cognition in one individual, but worsen it by causing anxiety and paranoia in another – or how an anxiolytic agent may cause sleepiness is one subject, and enhance cognition in another by reducing his mind chatter.

A hypothesis is presented for an inverse relationship between monoaminergic and cholinergic systems in the modulation of implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) cognitive processes. It is postulated that muscarinic cholinergic receptors and monoaminergic systems facilitate unconscious and conscious processes, respectively, and they disfacilitate conscious and unconscious processes, respectively (the purported inverse relationship). In fact, the muscarinic and monoaminergic modulations of a neural network are proposed to be finely balanced such that, if the activity of one receptor system is modified then this by necessity has effects on the other system. [12]

The suggestions I am going to give you in the chapter below are nootropic drugs and supplements that are known to have a positive effect in the majority of people, but, as said before: your mileage may vary.

Vasopressin & Desmopressin

Vasopressin is a peptide hormone that works by limiting the amount of water that is eliminated in the urine. Only qualified physicians should use it as it is extremely dangerous. There is evidence that suggests that it either strongly improves memory or has no effect at all.[13] [14]. Another study showed that a Vasopressin analog, DDAVP, does improve memory, but only in males[15]

Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of Vasopressin. It is easier to get, but also less effective according to anecdotal experiences on the web.

Since it is extremely dangerous and the research is not definitive, we suggest to avoid it altogether.

Modafinil

Modafinil is dopaminergic and histaminergic stimulant, and may well be the most well known and effective smart drug. We know by now that some histamine receptors (like H3), can reduce sleepiness and improve attention. While Modafinil has no true memory-enhancing effect, it is essential in any stack to improve focus, a required condition to make photographic memory work. For more information read our Modafinil overview.  

Hydergine & Nicergoline

Hydergine, (brand name of Dihydroergotoxine mesylate), is an ergoline (a derivative of the ergot fungus), the same family of compounds like LSD, and was used as a treatment for vascular dementia[16] [17] and Alzheimer’s disease, even though it rarely gets used anymore due to lack of efficacy.

One of the reasons may be the fact that effective doses are higher than those normally prescribed.[18] [19]

Unlike LSD, Hydergine doesn’t have any psychedelic effect, but it has several supposed benefits as a cognitive enhancer:[20]

Increases blood supply and oxygen to the brain.

Enhances brain cell metabolism.

Protects the brain from free-radical damage during de­creased or increased oxygen supply.

Speeds the elimination of age pigment (lipofuscin) in the brain.

Inhibits free-radical activity.

Increases intelligence, memory, learning, and recall.

Normalizes systolic blood pressure.

Lowers abnormally high cholesterol levels in some cases.

Reduces symptoms of tiredness.

Reduces symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Hydergine also competes in dopamine and serotonin deficits[21] and stimulates norepinephrine release,[22] but by a simultaneous blockade of postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors it also blocks excessive norepinephrine release,[23] thus helping rebalance monoamines.

Hydergine stacks well with Piracetam and other racetams as they enhance each others’ efficacy. According to anecdotal experiences on the web, it also seems to improve creativity – particularly in music and arts – and promotes concept association. This makes it one of the most interesting compounds as far as photographic memory is concerned, especially when paired with one or more of the techniques that I’m going to explain below.

Nicergoline is another ergoline, also used in vascular dementia. A study showed that Nicergoline improves learning and memory equal to or better than Piracetam, Centrophenoxine, Pyritinol, and DMAE.[24] According to a few nootropic users that tried both Hydergine and Nicergoline, the latter is smoother and more effective than Hydergine. Nicergoline has a “clean, focused, expansive feeling of peaceful energy” compared to the “edginess” of Hydergine,[25] but some like Hydergine as it also improves physical performance[26].

Ergolines are thought to cause drug-induced valvulopathy, but both Nicergoline and Hydergine have never shown any adverse effect on cardiovascular health and the risk is extremely low.[27] That said, people with heart disease should avoid taking either of them.

NSI-189

Chemical structure of NSI-189

NSI-189 is a drug developed by Neuralstem as a treatment for depression. We know that depression damages the hippocampus[28], and NSI helps reduce this damage.

Not only that, but the hippocampus is also essential for memory consolidation, this is why a lot of nootropic users are experimenting with it. For more information read our recent article on NSI-189.

Centrophenoxine

Centrophenoxine, also known as Meclofenoxate, is a cholinergic compound. It is an ester of dimethylethanolamine (DMAE), a nootropic agent, and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (pCPA). Compared to other cholinergic compounds like CDP-Choline and Alpha GPC, Centrophenoxine also has antioxidant activity in the brain[29], has a slight stimulating effect[30] and also removes beta amyloid plaque[31] that is thought to have a major role in Alzheimer’s disease.

PRL-8-53

PRL-8-53 is a benzoic acid derivative developed in the 1970s[32] by professor Nikolaus Hansl at Creighton University.

In 1979 a double-blind trial of PRL-8-53 on 47 human subjects was published.[33] 5 mg of PRL-8-53 were administrated 2-2.5 hours before the study session.

Those who took PRL-8-53 had an improvement in recalling of words compared to placebo[34], particularly in those with a low baseline (poor performers), who had an improvement of 87.5-105%[35]. The high performers had a non-statistically significant improvement of 7.9-14%. The drug was particularly effective in subjects over the age of 30. No side effects were ever reported.

The mechanism of PRL-8-53 is still shrouded in mystery, but it seems to enhance cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission while inhibiting serotonin, acting somewhat like the combined effects of Piracetam and Modafinil.

Racetams

Racetams are a family of compounds with a pyrrolidinone nucleus. The first of this class was Piracetam, a drug originally developed as a sleep aid by Corneliu E. Giurgea, but when tested on animals it was found to improve memory. It is the prototypical nootropic and it is still used in clinical practice in Europe as a treatment for mild dementia, while in the US in is an over the counter nutritional supplement.

Aniracetam is an AMPAkine, a drug that acts on the AMPA receptors. AMPA is important for LTP (long-term potentiation), the process by which the brain strengthen the synapses. Aniracetam is also classified as an anxiolytic, as it reduces anxiety.[36] Anecdotal experiences also note increased creativity and concepts association with Aniracetam.[37]

Pramiracetam is another cognitive-enhancing racetam. Other than acting on choline or AMPA, like other racetams, Pramiracetam also increases nitric oxide[38] and this may play a role in his cognitive enhancing effects[39] by improving blood circulation in the brain through vasodilatation.

Phenylpiracetam is a more potent analog of Piracetam. Compared to Piracetam, it also has stimulant effects, (and in fact, it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in professional sports), as well as anticonvulsant activity.[40] It also improves microcirculation in the brain.[41]

Coluracetam enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU). In animals studies, it had long lasting pro-cognitive effects[42] and it’s currently being researched as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

Fasoracetam is novel racetam which has been researched in a clinical trial as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)[43]. It is neuroprotective and improves memory by modulating certain glutamate receptors[44] and upregulates GABA-B receptors with chronic use[45]

Other commonly available nootropic Racetams are Oxiracetam and Nefiracetam but they are not as useful as the other mentioned for photographic memory, so we’re not going to cover them. [cm_product_recommend]

Selegiline

Selegiline is MAO-B inhibitor. Monoamine oxide (MAO) recycle monoamines and trace amines (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, melatonin, histamine, phenethylamine, etc) by oxidizing them, thus making them inactive. Each of them has a different role in mood, arousal, and cognition.

There are two monoamine oxides: MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A oxidizes mainly serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine while MAO-B oxidizes trace amines. Dopamine is the only monoamine that is equally oxidized by both. By avoiding this process, MAO inhibitors raise the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, thus acting as antidepressants, stimulants, and anxiolytics. Generally, MAO-B inhibitors are safer as they very rarely cause serotonin syndrome or the infamous “cheese effect”.

In my personal experience, Selegiline is great to increase attention span and motivation. It also gives me that “quick wit” necessary to learn (and master) novel concepts. However, it is not incredibly powerful as a memory enhancer, so it is best combined with a Racetam and a Cholinergic nootropic.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid extracted from Huperzia Serrata. It is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA antagonist. Some studies report a beneficial effect in Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not commonly used in modern medicine. The alkaloid is chiral, having both the left (levo) and right (dextro) enantiomer. The racemic (1:1) mixture of the left and right enantiomer is the most common form, but L-Huperzine A is slightly more effective.

It is important not to take an excessive dose of Huperzine as it is also a NMDA antagonist, which could impair cognition acutely, 150 milligrams a day is the maximum I can personally take before it starts giving me brain fog. The best effect comes after around 1 week of continuous dosing, and after 2 weeks a noticeable tolerance arises. As such, I strictly use it only in the last week before the exam.

Bacopa

Bacopa has been shown in studies to relieve anxiety, improve cognition, and enhance memory formation.[46][47] In a rat study, Bacopa increased the levels of serotonin and enhanced the gene expression of serotonin transporters[48], thus reducing the symptoms anxiety and depression.

Other Nootropics

Even though it is not a “true” nootropic, it is a good idea to supplement Vitamin D, especially in places far away from the equator. Vitamin D is essential for dopamine production[49] and expression of GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, essential for dopaminergic neurons’ health).[50]

Other essential nootropics for a photographic memory stack are Acetylcholine Precursors. We mentioned Centrophenoxine, which is one of the most effective, but there are also CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC and Choline bitartrate.

Uridine is a natural compound found in tiny quantities in beer and other foods. It is extremely important for the correct functioning of dopaminergic receptors[51] [52] and it is even more powerful when combined with CDP-Choline, and Fish Oil. In fact, when taken with Fish Oil, it had a powerful antidepressant effect comparable to antidepressant drugs, in rats.[53]

Last but not least, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), especially when taken together, are very good for memory and general brain and physical health. Edit: I’ve noticed that ALA makes me very tired and distracted, so I no longer recommend it. I much prefer N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant.

Photographic Memory Stacks

Coluracetam + PRL-8-53

This stack has been suggested by the users of our nootropics group. The combination of Coluracetam and PRL-8-53 seems to be the holy grail of nootropics by looking at the personal experiences on the web. The criticism we found about this stack is that PRL-8-53 cannot be used every day because it tends to build a tolerance to the positive effects pretty quickly. Also, dizziness was mentioned when using higher doses of PRL-8-53 (>10 mg).

Sunifiram + Noopept

This combination is extremely potent, as it acts on both BDNF and NGF (Noopept), as well as AMPA (Sunifiram), and, most important of all, it is extremely cheap, the cheapest photographic memory stack you can get. I would also add a choline source as Sunifiram has the tendency to cause headaches, and a choline source should help with this side effect. CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC, and Centrophenoxine are the best, but, if you are on a tight budget, Choline Bitartrate or Citrate, or even just Lecithin granules will suffice.

It is important to use low doses of this stack as it is extremely potent and could cause overexcitability (and impair cognition) and excessive glutamate release in high doses. The good idea is to take NMDA antagonist like Memantine or Huperzine A. If you end up using Huperzine A, do not take it with a choline source because excessive choline will cause depression and anxiety.

Stack 1

Modafinil 150 mg

Piracetam 4.8 g

Alpha GPC 750 mg

Bacopa 500 mg (50% bacosides)

Lion’s Mane 1-3 gr (30% polysaccharide)

Picamilon 50-250 mg

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500-750 mg

This stack covers all the five main points in cognitive enhancement: choline, dopamine, neurotrophic factors, vasodilatation, relaxation.

To benefit from photographic memory, it is essential to have the motivation to read and focus on the material we are trying to memorize. This is where Modafinil comes in.

Piracetam, Alpha GPC and Bacopa help memorization, Lion’s Mane strengthens synapses, Bacopa & Picamilon help reduce anxiety as well as enhance memory consolidation.

Stack 2

Noopept 20-30 mg (sublingual)

Fasoracetam 10-15 mg (sublingual)

Centrophenoxine 500 mg

N-Acetyl-Tyrosine 750 mg

Ginkgo 240 mg (24% flavone glycosides)

Bacopa 500 mg (50% bacosides)

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Here we have Noopept and Fasoracetam to enhance cognition and learning, Centrophenoxine as a choline source, NALT for that extra dopamine boost and Bacopa & Ginkgo to enhance memory and mood, as they are thought to augment each other.[54]

Stack 3

Pramiracetam 400 mg

Aniracetam 500 mg

CDP Choline 750 mg

Caffeine 100 mg

L-Theanine 200 mg

Vinpocetine 15 mg

ALCAR 500 mg

All Natural Stack

Rhodiola

Bacopa

Ginkgo

Huperzine A

Vinpocetine

Lion’s Mane

L-Theanine

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Photographic Memory Methods

There are four methods (mnemonic devices) that can help us on our path to photographic memory.

Speed Reading

Method of Loci

Dark Adaptation

Tachistoscope Emulation

Each one of them has his pros and cons. You don’t have to learn all four of them, typically Speed reading and the Method of loci work best together, and Dark adaptation method and Tachistoscope emulation have the same theory behind so you only have to learn either one or the other.

Speed reading

Jimmy Carter and his daughter in a Speed Reading class

Speed reading is a technique in which the trained speed reader can read faster by removing subvocalization (sounding out each word when reading) and all the unnecessary movements that an untrained eye does when reading a text, particularly books.

There are two main methods to make reading faster: Skimming and Scanning, and Meta guiding.

Since it is a long subject to cover, and the article is already pretty long, I’m not going to cover it here, but in a future article. For more information watch the video below, and consider buying Speed Reading book or try this Udemy course.

Method of Loci

The Method of Loci, frequently known as Memory Palaces consists of associating words and numbers to mental images. It is frequently known by mnemonists and professional poker players to remember a big array of things, such as cards. Usually, it is done by visualizing in the brain a place you remember in every detail (like your home) and placing the things you want to remember in the form of evocative images (Loci).

To make it work, the Locis have to be something generic and not overly complicated, but at the same time have one, two or more distinct details that make them unforgettable. Since the brain works through association, it is even better if you associate the Loci to something you have personally experienced, like a memory or feeling. Be creative! The most effective ways to create Locis is to think like you were still a kid – in fact, the majority of kids do actually have photographic memory due to their highly graphical memory and thinking.

Still confused? Watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JnDBYf9odc

Dark Adaptation Method

According to the Opponent-Process Theory of Color Vision, whenever it suddently shifts to dark, a photo-negative image of what we were seeing gets stuck on the retina. This is the same concept behind the famous Jesus eye illusion on the right.

A blogger tried this method, and had incredible success with it.[55][56] Of course, anecdotal experiences should be taken with a grain of salt, but his results were so good that it demands a try.

Instructions

1. This system will take 1 month for you to develop a photographic memory, you must take 15 minutes every day and dedicate it to this training. For the first month, your eyes will take about 5 minutes time to adjust to daylight reading.

2. Find a dark room in your house, free of distractions for 15 minutes. I use the bathroom. The room must have a bright lamp or ceiling lamp.

3. Sit down next to the light switch with your book and paper that has a rectangular hole cut out of it the size of a paragraph.

4. Cover the page, exposing only one paragraph and hold the book out in front of you. Close your eyes and open, adjust distance so that your eyes focus instantly with ease on the writing.

5. Turn off light. You will see an after glow as your eyes adjust to the dark. Flip light on for a split second and then off again.

6. You will have a visual imprint in your eyes of the material that was in front of you. When this imprint fades, flip the light on again for a split second, again staring at the material.

7. Repeat this process until you can recall every word in the paragraph in order. You will be able to actually see the paragraph and read it from the imprint in your mind.

Tips & Warnings

Do not get discouraged, it will work. It has been working for the military for 70 years.

You will be developing this technique to a point where you will be able to execute this during the day, all day.

Omitting even one day, can prolong training by as much as a week.

  Tachistoscope Emulation

The Tachistoscope emulation is a variation of the Dark adaptation method.

In World War II one way to help aircrew gunners improve their aircraft identification skills was to use a device called the tachistoscope. A tachistoscope is a device that flashes an image for just a few hundredth of a second. It was developed in 1904 at the Institute of Experimental Psychology at Leipzig University in Germany. The technique is described here. To make it work, you need a tachistoscope/image flashing app or software.

When the gunners were in darkened rooms during this training, their eyes became dark adapted. It was found that many of them were holding on to the split-second images after the images were no longer on the screen. With dark adapted eyes, the images could be retained for a few seconds.

A study was set up to see just what could be done with these retained images. The images were positives instead of the more familiar negative images you get if you stare fixedly for a few seconds at a picture or scene, then look away. Some subjects got so good at the process that after seeing a very short duration image of a page in a book, they could then read the page, from somewhere inside their heads. […]

The fact that some of the study participants could acquire a readable image of a whole book page suggests that their peripheral vision happened to be, or became, more acute than that normally found in the general population. […] The first few hundred times you try this, you’ll probably get blurred images because your eyeballs aren’t yet convinced to hold still during the exposure. The images will be there but doubled, usually vertically. […]

With lots of work, assuming you haven’t been put away, you should find that text in books shows up in blurry fashion, unreadable, but recognizable as fuzzy text. Large print documents may bring more rewarding results. As time goes on the acuity should improve to the point of readability.

  Conclusion

Is having a photographic memory achievable? And is it something we would want, on a daily basis? I would like to conclude this post with a quote from Luria’s book:

“What effect does a remarkable capacity for memory have on other major aspects of personality, on an individual’s habits of thought and imagination, on his behavior and personality development? What changes occur in a person’s inner world, in his relationships with others, in his very lifestyle when one element of his psychic makeup, his memory, develops to such an uncommon degree that it begins to alter every other aspect of his activity?” – A.R. Luria [cm_product_recommend]

Related Posts

References   [ + ]

1, 2. ↑ Definition of Eidetic by Merriam-Webster 3. ↑ The Straight Dope: Is there such a thing as “photographic memory”? 4. ↑ Photographic memory – eidetic hoax – Straight Dope message board 5. ↑ Relative contributions of severe dopaminergic neuron ablation and dopamine depletion to cognitive impairment. (2015) 6. ↑ Emotional enhancement of memory: how norepinephrine enables synaptic plasticity (2010) 7. ↑ A Distinct Role for Norepinephrine in Memory Retrieval (2004) 8. ↑ BDNF is essential to promote persistence of long-term memory storage (2008) 9. ↑ An overview of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and implications for excitotoxic vulnerability in the hippocampus. (2001) 10. ↑ Human Nerve Growth Factor Improves Spatial Memory in Aged but Not in Young Rats (1994) 11, 12. ↑ Neuropharmacology of cognition and memory: a unifying theory of neuromodulator imbalance in psychiatry and amnesia. (2006) 13. ↑ A mnemonic role for vasopressin: the evidence for and against. (1985) 14. ↑ What is the importance of vasopressin in memory processes? (1983) 15. ↑ Vasopressin analog (DDAVP) improves memory in human males (1984) 16, 18. ↑ Overview of Clinical Trials of Hydergine in Dementia (1994) 17, 19. ↑ A controlled double-blind study of high-dose dihydroergotoxine mesylate (Hydergine) in mild dementia. (1987) 20. ↑ Full-Text Excerpt of Smart Drugs & Nutrients – Section 5 – Hydergine 21, 22, 23. ↑ Hydergine: interaction with the neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. (1985) 24. ↑ Effect of nicergoline on learning and memory. (1988) 25. ↑ Nicergoline – Longecity Forum 26. ↑ Nicergoline – Longecity Forum 27. ↑ Ergotamine and nicergoline – facts and myths. (2015) 28. ↑ Depression, antidepressants, and the shrinking hippocampus (2001) 29, 31. ↑ Age-related decline in multiple unit action potentials of CA3 region of rat hippocampus: correlation with lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin concentration and the effect of centrophenoxine (1993) 30. ↑ The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly (1977) 32. ↑ A novel spasmolytic and CNS active agent: 3-(2-benzylmethylamino ethyl) benzoic acid methyl ester hydrochloride. (1974) 33, 34, 35. ↑ PRL-8-53: enhanced learning and subsequent retention in humans as a result of low oral doses of new psychotropic agent. (1978) 36. ↑ Anxiolytic effects of aniracetam in three different mouse models of anxiety and the underlying mechanism. (2001) 37. ↑ Aniracetam for Creativity? Stack Advice – Reddit 38, 39. ↑ Systemic administration of pramiracetam increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the cerebral cortex of the rat. (1995) 40. ↑ Pharmacological characteristics of a new phenyl analog of piracetam–4-phenylpiracetam. (1983) 41. ↑ Comparative evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of phenotropil and piracetam in laboratory animals with experimental cerebral ischemia. (2007) 42. ↑ MKC-231, a choline-uptake enhancer: long-lasting cognitive improvement after repeated administration in AF64A-treated rats 43. ↑ Drug Profile Fasoracetam 44. ↑ A novel cognition enhancer NS-105 modulates adenylate cyclase activity through metabotropic glutamate receptors in primary neuronal culture. (1997) 45. ↑ Effect of a novel cognition enhancer NS-105 on learned helplessness in rats: possible involvement of GABA(B) receptor up-regulation after repeated treatment. (1997). 46. ↑ Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. 47. ↑ Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview. 48. ↑ Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation. 49. ↑ The vitamin D receptor in dopamine neurons; its presence in human substantia nigra and its ontogenesis in rat midbrain. (2010) 50. ↑ Vitamin D as an effective treatment approach for drug abuse and addiction (2013) 51. ↑ Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats. (2005) 52. ↑ Effects of chronic uridine on striatal dopamine release and dopamine-related behaviours in the absence or presence of chronic treatment with haloperidol. (1989) 53. ↑ Antidepressant-like effects of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids are potentiated by combined treatment in rats 54. ↑ The acute effects of combined administration of Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in humans. (2002) 55. ↑ Experiments in Photographic Memory (Phase 1: Guinea Pig) 56. ↑ Photographic Memory (Phase 2: Holy Shit)

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Photographic Memory How-To: Nootropics and Mnemonic Devices 101

Photographic memory, or eidetic memory, is an ability to vividly recall images after seeing them for a short period of time. A Google search shows over 16.000 results on “photographic memory nootropics”. There are a lot of stack suggestions that can give you a photographic memory. Needless to say, that is just advertising to sell overpriced nootropic stacks with no scientific support. Of all the articles I read, no one of them answer the fundamental question: Does photographic memory exist, and is it possible to achieve with mnemonic techniques, training, and nootropics?

What is Photographic Memory?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary[1]

Eidetic is the technical adjective used to describe what we more commonly call a photographic memory. The word ultimately derives from the Greek noun eidos, meaning “form.” The ability of certain individuals to recall images, sounds, or events with uncanny accuracy is a subject of fascination for researchers in the field of psychology. Among notable people who were reputed to have eidetic memories is the late television comic Jackie Gleason, who reportedly was able to memorize an entire half-hour script in a single read-through.[2]

There are only two case studies of eidetic memory in scientific research. Let’s take a quick look at them.

Case 1: The Mind of a Mnemonist

The first case study of a subject with “incredible” memory was published by Russian psychologist Alexander Luria.

Solomon Shereshevsky

Alexander Luria was a famous Russian psychologist active in the mid-1900s. One day, when he wasn’t yet a world famous psychologist, a young man named Solomon Shereshevsky came to visit his lab. He was working as a reporter for a local newspaper, and he had come to the lab at the suggestion of his editor.

Each morning the editor would meet with the staff to give them a (long) list of assignments. To the astonishment of everyone, S. could memorize the entire list without taking a single note.

Intrigued, Luria took S. to his lab and began testing him by forcing S. to learn all kinds of complex mathematical formulas. And not only that but even poems in languages he could not speak! Once he was read the first four lines of Dante’s La Divina Commedia in Italian, a language he could not understand, and he was able to recite it in a matter of seconds!

So, how was he able to do so? On the basis of his studies, Luria diagnosed S. with a rare form of synesthesia, called ideasthesia.

Ideasthesia is a phenomenon in which letters, numbers, and other graphic objects, evoke a perception-like experience. Since we, as humans, are hardwired to remember visual concepts more efficiently than plain letters or numbers, an individual with ideasthesia can remember characters, numbers, and symbols by looking at them for just a few seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIF2tssedLI

And not only that – even if they do not understand what they actually mean (like in a foreign language), they can reverse engineer their perception of the sign/word/number to the actual physical representation. The basis of this technique is pretty much the same as the Method of Loci (more on that later), a technique used by mnemonists to remember many chunks of information that would otherwise be difficult to remember.

So what kind of visual perceptions did the Divine Comedy evoke?

The first line, Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita, he rendered into images this way: Nel, Nel’skaya, a ballerina; mezzo, she is together with (Russian vmeste) a man; del, there is a pack of Deli cigarettes near them; cammin, a fireplace (Russian kamin) is also close by; di, a hand is pointing toward a door (Russian dver); nos, a man has fallen and gotten his nose (Russian nos) pinched in a doorway (Russian tra); vita, the man steps over a child, a sign of life — vitalism; and so on, for 48 syllables.[3]

In 1968, after S.’s death, Luria published a book of his findings, The Mind of a Mnemonist. He wrote it for a non-scientific audience and I recommend it to anyone. The translated version can be easily found on the web with a quick Google search.

Case 2: The Girl with Eidetic Memory

Fast forward to the 1970s. A Harvard scientist named Charles Stromeyer III publishes a paper about a girl with an incredible ability. He gave her a sheet of paper with a pattern of 10,000 random dots, and one day later another with a different pattern of dots.

The girl was able to fuse the pattern together in his mind and form a stereogram, which she saw as a three-dimensional image floating above the surface. A couple of days later, when asked by the researcher, she could draw each pattern with astonishing accuracy.

The case study of Elizabeth – this is the name of the girl – was published in Nature. However, in a cheap soap opera turn of events, the researcher later married the girl, and she was never tested again.

A random dot pattern like the one given to Elizabeth

A couple of years later, in 1979, a researcher named John Merrit published the results of an eidetic memory test he had placed in magazines all over the country. After seeing Elizabeth results, he had hoped that someone might come forward and prove, once and for all, the existence of photographic memory. He figured that over 1 million people had tried the test. However, of the 30 people that were able to figure it correctly, he went on to visit 15 of them, and nobody could repeat the experiment when the scientist was looking over his or her shoulders.

So how was Elizabeth able to succeed in the test? Did she have some weird memory superpower? Apparently, it is now known that the Elizabeth study was not real, but rather a prank between friends that got out of hand. nthomas from the Straight Dope forum explains it:[4]

When I was in a graduate seminar on the psychology of memory (about 16 years ago, at a major university) I was told by the professor, an expert in the field, that the “discovery” was, in fact, a hoax. As he told the story, “Elizabeth” was actually the girlfriend of the researcher, who had been talking to her about his interest in eidetic imagery. He had a reputation, however, for being rather gullible, and, for a joke, she, and a group of his other friends, cooked up a fake demonstration of her amazing eidetic powers. He was completely taken in, and became very excited at his amazing “discovery”. But before “Elizabeth” and her friends had the time (or maybe the heart) to let the victim in on the joke, things had got out of hand, and the discovery was already well known, and, before long, published. The etiquette of scientific publication would make it difficult to get a story like this into the formal record, and, anyway, psychologists probably do not want it too widely known how easily they can be taken in. (Perhaps, also, people were reluctant to ruin the career of the poor, duped but not dishonest, researcher.) […]I got the impression from my professor that the hoax story was quite well known amongst memory researchers. Furthermore, my impression is that psychological opinion over whether eidetic imagery (as distinct from the ordinary, relatively unreliable, memory imagery, that nearly everyone experiences) really exists, is still much more divided than Cecil seems to believe. It may be the majority opinion that it is real, but a respectable minority of researchers have their doubts. The amazing abilities of “Elizabeth” do still occasionally get mentioned in the reputable psychological literature, however. Some serious scientists do seem to believe it. I myself am no longer sufficiently close to the “in group” of memory psychologists to have heard the hoax story again, or to check out how widely it is known or believed.

So there you have it: the only recorded case of a genuine photographic memory among ordinary human beings is, very likely, a hoax.

Kim Peek

That’s not to said that there aren’t folks with a really good memory. Kim Peek, the famous savant who was the inspiration behind Rain Man, could supposedly memorize each page of a 9,000 plus pages book, reading at a rate of 8 to 12 seconds per page (each eye reads its own page). This hasn’t been thoroughly tested, however.

The American actress and author Marilu Henner, on the other hand, can supposedly remember every day of his life. Again, this has not been tested, and may just be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Another savant, Stephen Wiltshire, has been called the “human camera” for his ability to draw things precisely after seeing them for only a few seconds. However, again, as precise as it is, he takes liberties, so it is not clear if he truly has a “photographic” memory, but it is very, very close.

Stephen Wiltshire

How to Develop Photographic Memory

Solomon, Kim, and Stephen are truly fascinating cases, but they are not normal guys – they have very rare abilities. So, can a normal human being develop photographic memory (or the closest thing to it)?

The answer is No. A normal human can’t develop a photographic memory, not even by using nootropics. BUT, by taking nootropics and learning a few techniques, we can develop a very good, almost-eidetic memory.

However, first, we have to understand what memory is and what we can do to improve it.

Memory: What is It, How to Improve it

There are several stages of memory formation: memory acquisition/encoding, working memory/short-term memory, long-term memory/consolidation, memory retrieval, and reconsolidation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq0aQAG0A3o

Five major pathways are essential for the formation, retrieval and reconsolidation of memory: Dopamine, Choline, Norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors, AMPA, and neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, NGF).

Dopamine helps focus, motivation and general cognition[5]

Choline is essential for short-term memory and memory consolidation

Norepinephrine is a memory modulator[6] and it’s essential for memory retrieval[7]

AMPA improves synaptic plasticity a strengthen synapses

BDNF is important for long-term memory[8], learning, and synaptogenesis[9]

NGF is also important for neurons health, and memory, but only in old subjects, as it actually impaired memory when given to young rats[10], so we’re not going to focus on it too much. Same for norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors, GDNF, Sigma, cAMP, PKA, CRE, CREBs and other minor neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. Before we begin looking at the different memory-enhancing nootropics, I want to stress the fact that every individual has a different level of neurotransmitters due to their personal body chemistry.

Normally these slight variations do not have a negative effect, the just make us the way we are, they help us forge our personality. However, when the level of one or more neurotransmitters becomes dangerously low or high, or there is a loss of neurons, a mental disease can develop[11].

Parkinson’s (loss of dopamine neurons) schizophrenia (excessive dopamine), Alzheimer’s (loss of cholinergic receptors), ADHD (low dopamine) are examples of psychological and physical issues caused in part by neurotransmitter levels. However, we have slight differences even between perfectly healthy humans. This explains why a stimulant may improve focus and cognition in one individual, but worsen it by causing anxiety and paranoia in another – or how an anxiolytic agent may cause sleepiness is one subject, and enhance cognition in another by reducing his mind chatter.

A hypothesis is presented for an inverse relationship between monoaminergic and cholinergic systems in the modulation of implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) cognitive processes. It is postulated that muscarinic cholinergic receptors and monoaminergic systems facilitate unconscious and conscious processes, respectively, and they disfacilitate conscious and unconscious processes, respectively (the purported inverse relationship). In fact, the muscarinic and monoaminergic modulations of a neural network are proposed to be finely balanced such that, if the activity of one receptor system is modified then this by necessity has effects on the other system. [12]

The suggestions I am going to give you in the chapter below are nootropic drugs and supplements that are known to have a positive effect in the majority of people, but, as said before: your mileage may vary.

Vasopressin & Desmopressin

Vasopressin is a peptide hormone that works by limiting the amount of water that is eliminated in the urine. Only qualified physicians should use it as it is extremely dangerous. There is evidence that suggests that it either strongly improves memory or has no effect at all.[13] [14]. Another study showed that a Vasopressin analog, DDAVP, does improve memory, but only in males[15]

Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of Vasopressin. It is easier to get, but also less effective according to anecdotal experiences on the web.

Since it is extremely dangerous and the research is not definitive, we suggest to avoid it altogether.

Modafinil

Modafinil is dopaminergic and histaminergic stimulant, and may well be the most well known and effective smart drug. We know by now that some histamine receptors (like H3), can reduce sleepiness and improve attention. While Modafinil has no true memory-enhancing effect, it is essential in any stack to improve focus, a required condition to make photographic memory work. For more information read our Modafinil overview.  

Hydergine & Nicergoline

Hydergine, (brand name of Dihydroergotoxine mesylate), is an ergoline (a derivative of the ergot fungus), the same family of compounds like LSD, and was used as a treatment for vascular dementia[16] [17] and Alzheimer’s disease, even though it rarely gets used anymore due to lack of efficacy.

One of the reasons may be the fact that effective doses are higher than those normally prescribed.[18] [19]

Unlike LSD, Hydergine doesn’t have any psychedelic effect, but it has several supposed benefits as a cognitive enhancer:[20]

Increases blood supply and oxygen to the brain.

Enhances brain cell metabolism.

Protects the brain from free-radical damage during de­creased or increased oxygen supply.

Speeds the elimination of age pigment (lipofuscin) in the brain.

Inhibits free-radical activity.

Increases intelligence, memory, learning, and recall.

Normalizes systolic blood pressure.

Lowers abnormally high cholesterol levels in some cases.

Reduces symptoms of tiredness.

Reduces symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Hydergine also competes in dopamine and serotonin deficits[21] and stimulates norepinephrine release,[22] but by a simultaneous blockade of postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors it also blocks excessive norepinephrine release,[23] thus helping rebalance monoamines.

Hydergine stacks well with Piracetam and other racetams as they enhance each others’ efficacy. According to anecdotal experiences on the web, it also seems to improve creativity – particularly in music and arts – and promotes concept association. This makes it one of the most interesting compounds as far as photographic memory is concerned, especially when paired with one or more of the techniques that I’m going to explain below.

Nicergoline is another ergoline, also used in vascular dementia. A study showed that Nicergoline improves learning and memory equal to or better than Piracetam, Centrophenoxine, Pyritinol, and DMAE.[24] According to a few nootropic users that tried both Hydergine and Nicergoline, the latter is smoother and more effective than Hydergine. Nicergoline has a “clean, focused, expansive feeling of peaceful energy” compared to the “edginess” of Hydergine,[25] but some like Hydergine as it also improves physical performance[26].

Ergolines are thought to cause drug-induced valvulopathy, but both Nicergoline and Hydergine have never shown any adverse effect on cardiovascular health and the risk is extremely low.[27] That said, people with heart disease should avoid taking either of them.

NSI-189

Chemical structure of NSI-189

NSI-189 is a drug developed by Neuralstem as a treatment for depression. We know that depression damages the hippocampus[28], and NSI helps reduce this damage.

Not only that, but the hippocampus is also essential for memory consolidation, this is why a lot of nootropic users are experimenting with it. For more information read our recent article on NSI-189.

Centrophenoxine

Centrophenoxine, also known as Meclofenoxate, is a cholinergic compound. It is an ester of dimethylethanolamine (DMAE), a nootropic agent, and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (pCPA). Compared to other cholinergic compounds like CDP-Choline and Alpha GPC, Centrophenoxine also has antioxidant activity in the brain[29], has a slight stimulating effect[30] and also removes beta amyloid plaque[31] that is thought to have a major role in Alzheimer’s disease.

PRL-8-53

PRL-8-53 is a benzoic acid derivative developed in the 1970s[32] by professor Nikolaus Hansl at Creighton University.

In 1979 a double-blind trial of PRL-8-53 on 47 human subjects was published.[33] 5 mg of PRL-8-53 were administrated 2-2.5 hours before the study session.

Those who took PRL-8-53 had an improvement in recalling of words compared to placebo[34], particularly in those with a low baseline (poor performers), who had an improvement of 87.5-105%[35]. The high performers had a non-statistically significant improvement of 7.9-14%. The drug was particularly effective in subjects over the age of 30. No side effects were ever reported.

The mechanism of PRL-8-53 is still shrouded in mystery, but it seems to enhance cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission while inhibiting serotonin, acting somewhat like the combined effects of Piracetam and Modafinil.

Racetams

Racetams are a family of compounds with a pyrrolidinone nucleus. The first of this class was Piracetam, a drug originally developed as a sleep aid by Corneliu E. Giurgea, but when tested on animals it was found to improve memory. It is the prototypical nootropic and it is still used in clinical practice in Europe as a treatment for mild dementia, while in the US in is an over the counter nutritional supplement.

Aniracetam is an AMPAkine, a drug that acts on the AMPA receptors. AMPA is important for LTP (long-term potentiation), the process by which the brain strengthen the synapses. Aniracetam is also classified as an anxiolytic, as it reduces anxiety.[36] Anecdotal experiences also note increased creativity and concepts association with Aniracetam.[37]

Pramiracetam is another cognitive-enhancing racetam. Other than acting on choline or AMPA, like other racetams, Pramiracetam also increases nitric oxide[38] and this may play a role in his cognitive enhancing effects[39] by improving blood circulation in the brain through vasodilatation.

Phenylpiracetam is a more potent analog of Piracetam. Compared to Piracetam, it also has stimulant effects, (and in fact, it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in professional sports), as well as anticonvulsant activity.[40] It also improves microcirculation in the brain.[41]

Coluracetam enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU). In animals studies, it had long lasting pro-cognitive effects[42] and it’s currently being researched as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

Fasoracetam is novel racetam which has been researched in a clinical trial as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)[43]. It is neuroprotective and improves memory by modulating certain glutamate receptors[44] and upregulates GABA-B receptors with chronic use[45]

Other commonly available nootropic Racetams are Oxiracetam and Nefiracetam but they are not as useful as the other mentioned for photographic memory, so we’re not going to cover them. [cm_product_recommend]

Selegiline

Selegiline is MAO-B inhibitor. Monoamine oxide (MAO) recycle monoamines and trace amines (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, melatonin, histamine, phenethylamine, etc) by oxidizing them, thus making them inactive. Each of them has a different role in mood, arousal, and cognition.

There are two monoamine oxides: MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A oxidizes mainly serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine while MAO-B oxidizes trace amines. Dopamine is the only monoamine that is equally oxidized by both. By avoiding this process, MAO inhibitors raise the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, thus acting as antidepressants, stimulants, and anxiolytics. Generally, MAO-B inhibitors are safer as they very rarely cause serotonin syndrome or the infamous “cheese effect”.

In my personal experience, Selegiline is great to increase attention span and motivation. It also gives me that “quick wit” necessary to learn (and master) novel concepts. However, it is not incredibly powerful as a memory enhancer, so it is best combined with a Racetam and a Cholinergic nootropic.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid extracted from Huperzia Serrata. It is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA antagonist. Some studies report a beneficial effect in Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not commonly used in modern medicine. The alkaloid is chiral, having both the left (levo) and right (dextro) enantiomer. The racemic (1:1) mixture of the left and right enantiomer is the most common form, but L-Huperzine A is slightly more effective.

It is important not to take an excessive dose of Huperzine as it is also a NMDA antagonist, which could impair cognition acutely, 150 milligrams a day is the maximum I can personally take before it starts giving me brain fog. The best effect comes after around 1 week of continuous dosing, and after 2 weeks a noticeable tolerance arises. As such, I strictly use it only in the last week before the exam.

Bacopa

Bacopa has been shown in studies to relieve anxiety, improve cognition, and enhance memory formation.[46][47] In a rat study, Bacopa increased the levels of serotonin and enhanced the gene expression of serotonin transporters[48], thus reducing the symptoms anxiety and depression.

Other Nootropics

Even though it is not a “true” nootropic, it is a good idea to supplement Vitamin D, especially in places far away from the equator. Vitamin D is essential for dopamine production[49] and expression of GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, essential for dopaminergic neurons’ health).[50]

Other essential nootropics for a photographic memory stack are Acetylcholine Precursors. We mentioned Centrophenoxine, which is one of the most effective, but there are also CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC and Choline bitartrate.

Uridine is a natural compound found in tiny quantities in beer and other foods. It is extremely important for the correct functioning of dopaminergic receptors[51] [52] and it is even more powerful when combined with CDP-Choline, and Fish Oil. In fact, when taken with Fish Oil, it had a powerful antidepressant effect comparable to antidepressant drugs, in rats.[53]

Last but not least, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), especially when taken together, are very good for memory and general brain and physical health. Edit: I’ve noticed that ALA makes me very tired and distracted, so I no longer recommend it. I much prefer N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant.

Photographic Memory Stacks

Coluracetam + PRL-8-53

This stack has been suggested by the users of our nootropics group. The combination of Coluracetam and PRL-8-53 seems to be the holy grail of nootropics by looking at the personal experiences on the web. The criticism we found about this stack is that PRL-8-53 cannot be used every day because it tends to build a tolerance to the positive effects pretty quickly. Also, dizziness was mentioned when using higher doses of PRL-8-53 (>10 mg).

Sunifiram + Noopept

This combination is extremely potent, as it acts on both BDNF and NGF (Noopept), as well as AMPA (Sunifiram), and, most important of all, it is extremely cheap, the cheapest photographic memory stack you can get. I would also add a choline source as Sunifiram has the tendency to cause headaches, and a choline source should help with this side effect. CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC, and Centrophenoxine are the best, but, if you are on a tight budget, Choline Bitartrate or Citrate, or even just Lecithin granules will suffice.

It is important to use low doses of this stack as it is extremely potent and could cause overexcitability (and impair cognition) and excessive glutamate release in high doses. The good idea is to take NMDA antagonist like Memantine or Huperzine A. If you end up using Huperzine A, do not take it with a choline source because excessive choline will cause depression and anxiety.

Stack 1

Modafinil 150 mg

Piracetam 4.8 g

Alpha GPC 750 mg

Bacopa 500 mg (50% bacosides)

Lion’s Mane 1-3 gr (30% polysaccharide)

Picamilon 50-250 mg

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500-750 mg

This stack covers all the five main points in cognitive enhancement: choline, dopamine, neurotrophic factors, vasodilatation, relaxation.

To benefit from photographic memory, it is essential to have the motivation to read and focus on the material we are trying to memorize. This is where Modafinil comes in.

Piracetam, Alpha GPC and Bacopa help memorization, Lion’s Mane strengthens synapses, Bacopa & Picamilon help reduce anxiety as well as enhance memory consolidation.

Stack 2

Noopept 20-30 mg (sublingual)

Fasoracetam 10-15 mg (sublingual)

Centrophenoxine 500 mg

N-Acetyl-Tyrosine 750 mg

Ginkgo 240 mg (24% flavone glycosides)

Bacopa 500 mg (50% bacosides)

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Here we have Noopept and Fasoracetam to enhance cognition and learning, Centrophenoxine as a choline source, NALT for that extra dopamine boost and Bacopa & Ginkgo to enhance memory and mood, as they are thought to augment each other.[54]

Stack 3

Pramiracetam 400 mg

Aniracetam 500 mg

CDP Choline 750 mg

Caffeine 100 mg

L-Theanine 200 mg

Vinpocetine 15 mg

ALCAR 500 mg

All Natural Stack

Rhodiola

Bacopa

Ginkgo

Huperzine A

Vinpocetine

Lion’s Mane

L-Theanine

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Photographic Memory Methods

There are four methods (mnemonic devices) that can help us on our path to photographic memory.

Speed Reading

Method of Loci

Dark Adaptation

Tachistoscope Emulation

Each one of them has his pros and cons. You don’t have to learn all four of them, typically Speed reading and the Method of loci work best together, and Dark adaptation method and Tachistoscope emulation have the same theory behind so you only have to learn either one or the other.

Speed reading

Jimmy Carter and his daughter in a Speed Reading class

Speed reading is a technique in which the trained speed reader can read faster by removing subvocalization (sounding out each word when reading) and all the unnecessary movements that an untrained eye does when reading a text, particularly books.

There are two main methods to make reading faster: Skimming and Scanning, and Meta guiding.

Since it is a long subject to cover, and the article is already pretty long, I’m not going to cover it here, but in a future article. For more information watch the video below, and consider buying Speed Reading book or try this Udemy course.

Method of Loci

The Method of Loci, frequently known as Memory Palaces consists of associating words and numbers to mental images. It is frequently known by mnemonists and professional poker players to remember a big array of things, such as cards. Usually, it is done by visualizing in the brain a place you remember in every detail (like your home) and placing the things you want to remember in the form of evocative images (Loci).

To make it work, the Locis have to be something generic and not overly complicated, but at the same time have one, two or more distinct details that make them unforgettable. Since the brain works through association, it is even better if you associate the Loci to something you have personally experienced, like a memory or feeling. Be creative! The most effective ways to create Locis is to think like you were still a kid – in fact, the majority of kids do actually have photographic memory due to their highly graphical memory and thinking.

Still confused? Watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JnDBYf9odc

Dark Adaptation Method

According to the Opponent-Process Theory of Color Vision, whenever it suddently shifts to dark, a photo-negative image of what we were seeing gets stuck on the retina. This is the same concept behind the famous Jesus eye illusion on the right.

A blogger tried this method, and had incredible success with it.[55][56] Of course, anecdotal experiences should be taken with a grain of salt, but his results were so good that it demands a try.

Instructions

1. This system will take 1 month for you to develop a photographic memory, you must take 15 minutes every day and dedicate it to this training. For the first month, your eyes will take about 5 minutes time to adjust to daylight reading.

2. Find a dark room in your house, free of distractions for 15 minutes. I use the bathroom. The room must have a bright lamp or ceiling lamp.

3. Sit down next to the light switch with your book and paper that has a rectangular hole cut out of it the size of a paragraph.

4. Cover the page, exposing only one paragraph and hold the book out in front of you. Close your eyes and open, adjust distance so that your eyes focus instantly with ease on the writing.

5. Turn off light. You will see an after glow as your eyes adjust to the dark. Flip light on for a split second and then off again.

6. You will have a visual imprint in your eyes of the material that was in front of you. When this imprint fades, flip the light on again for a split second, again staring at the material.

7. Repeat this process until you can recall every word in the paragraph in order. You will be able to actually see the paragraph and read it from the imprint in your mind.

Tips & Warnings

Do not get discouraged, it will work. It has been working for the military for 70 years.

You will be developing this technique to a point where you will be able to execute this during the day, all day.

Omitting even one day, can prolong training by as much as a week.

  Tachistoscope Emulation

The Tachistoscope emulation is a variation of the Dark adaptation method.

In World War II one way to help aircrew gunners improve their aircraft identification skills was to use a device called the tachistoscope. A tachistoscope is a device that flashes an image for just a few hundredth of a second. It was developed in 1904 at the Institute of Experimental Psychology at Leipzig University in Germany. The technique is described here. To make it work, you need a tachistoscope/image flashing app or software.

When the gunners were in darkened rooms during this training, their eyes became dark adapted. It was found that many of them were holding on to the split-second images after the images were no longer on the screen. With dark adapted eyes, the images could be retained for a few seconds.

A study was set up to see just what could be done with these retained images. The images were positives instead of the more familiar negative images you get if you stare fixedly for a few seconds at a picture or scene, then look away. Some subjects got so good at the process that after seeing a very short duration image of a page in a book, they could then read the page, from somewhere inside their heads. […]

The fact that some of the study participants could acquire a readable image of a whole book page suggests that their peripheral vision happened to be, or became, more acute than that normally found in the general population. […] The first few hundred times you try this, you’ll probably get blurred images because your eyeballs aren’t yet convinced to hold still during the exposure. The images will be there but doubled, usually vertically. […]

With lots of work, assuming you haven’t been put away, you should find that text in books shows up in blurry fashion, unreadable, but recognizable as fuzzy text. Large print documents may bring more rewarding results. As time goes on the acuity should improve to the point of readability.

  Conclusion

Is having a photographic memory achievable? And is it something we would want, on a daily basis? I would like to conclude this post with a quote from Luria’s book:

“What effect does a remarkable capacity for memory have on other major aspects of personality, on an individual’s habits of thought and imagination, on his behavior and personality development? What changes occur in a person’s inner world, in his relationships with others, in his very lifestyle when one element of his psychic makeup, his memory, develops to such an uncommon degree that it begins to alter every other aspect of his activity?” – A.R. Luria [cm_product_recommend]

Related Posts

References   [ + ]

1, 2. ↑ Definition of Eidetic by Merriam-Webster 3. ↑ The Straight Dope: Is there such a thing as “photographic memory”? 4. ↑ Photographic memory – eidetic hoax – Straight Dope message board 5. ↑ Relative contributions of severe dopaminergic neuron ablation and dopamine depletion to cognitive impairment. (2015) 6. ↑ Emotional enhancement of memory: how norepinephrine enables synaptic plasticity (2010) 7. ↑ A Distinct Role for Norepinephrine in Memory Retrieval (2004) 8. ↑ BDNF is essential to promote persistence of long-term memory storage (2008) 9. ↑ An overview of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and implications for excitotoxic vulnerability in the hippocampus. (2001) 10. ↑ Human Nerve Growth Factor Improves Spatial Memory in Aged but Not in Young Rats (1994) 11, 12. ↑ Neuropharmacology of cognition and memory: a unifying theory of neuromodulator imbalance in psychiatry and amnesia. (2006) 13. ↑ A mnemonic role for vasopressin: the evidence for and against. (1985) 14. ↑ What is the importance of vasopressin in memory processes? (1983) 15. ↑ Vasopressin analog (DDAVP) improves memory in human males (1984) 16, 18. ↑ Overview of Clinical Trials of Hydergine in Dementia (1994) 17, 19. ↑ A controlled double-blind study of high-dose dihydroergotoxine mesylate (Hydergine) in mild dementia. (1987) 20. ↑ Full-Text Excerpt of Smart Drugs & Nutrients – Section 5 – Hydergine 21, 22, 23. ↑ Hydergine: interaction with the neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. (1985) 24. ↑ Effect of nicergoline on learning and memory. (1988) 25. ↑ Nicergoline – Longecity Forum 26. ↑ Nicergoline – Longecity Forum 27. ↑ Ergotamine and nicergoline – facts and myths. (2015) 28. ↑ Depression, antidepressants, and the shrinking hippocampus (2001) 29, 31. ↑ Age-related decline in multiple unit action potentials of CA3 region of rat hippocampus: correlation with lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin concentration and the effect of centrophenoxine (1993) 30. ↑ The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly (1977) 32. ↑ A novel spasmolytic and CNS active agent: 3-(2-benzylmethylamino ethyl) benzoic acid methyl ester hydrochloride. (1974) 33, 34, 35. ↑ PRL-8-53: enhanced learning and subsequent retention in humans as a result of low oral doses of new psychotropic agent. (1978) 36. ↑ Anxiolytic effects of aniracetam in three different mouse models of anxiety and the underlying mechanism. (2001) 37. ↑ Aniracetam for Creativity? Stack Advice – Reddit 38, 39. ↑ Systemic administration of pramiracetam increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the cerebral cortex of the rat. (1995) 40. ↑ Pharmacological characteristics of a new phenyl analog of piracetam–4-phenylpiracetam. (1983) 41. ↑ Comparative evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of phenotropil and piracetam in laboratory animals with experimental cerebral ischemia. (2007) 42. ↑ MKC-231, a choline-uptake enhancer: long-lasting cognitive improvement after repeated administration in AF64A-treated rats 43. ↑ Drug Profile Fasoracetam 44. ↑ A novel cognition enhancer NS-105 modulates adenylate cyclase activity through metabotropic glutamate receptors in primary neuronal culture. (1997) 45. ↑ Effect of a novel cognition enhancer NS-105 on learned helplessness in rats: possible involvement of GABA(B) receptor up-regulation after repeated treatment. (1997). 46. ↑ Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. 47. ↑ Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview. 48. ↑ Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation. 49. ↑ The vitamin D receptor in dopamine neurons; its presence in human substantia nigra and its ontogenesis in rat midbrain. (2010) 50. ↑ Vitamin D as an effective treatment approach for drug abuse and addiction (2013) 51. ↑ Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats. (2005) 52. ↑ Effects of chronic uridine on striatal dopamine release and dopamine-related behaviours in the absence or presence of chronic treatment with haloperidol. (1989) 53. ↑ Antidepressant-like effects of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids are potentiated by combined treatment in rats 54. ↑ The acute effects of combined administration of Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in humans. (2002) 55. ↑ Experiments in Photographic Memory (Phase 1: Guinea Pig) 56. ↑ Photographic Memory (Phase 2: Holy Shit)

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Desmopressin improves the brain’s ‘filing mechanism’¸ allowing memories to be recalled quickly and easily

Desmopressin

  Desmopressin improves the brain’s ‘filing mechanism’¸ allowing memories to be recalled quickly and easily

Desmopressin is the synthetic version of vasopressin¸ a peptide hormone found naturally in the brain and partly responsible for ‘inserting’ memories in the hippocampus¸ the region of the brain where memories are stored.

Desmopressin rapidly improves short-term memory and…