Cognitive

Cognitive Function

About Cognitive Function — Cognitive.

Memory, mental clarity and overall brain health.

21studies analysed

7compounds with evidence

Systematic reviewstrongest evidence

Where research is strongest

Add your outcome — free & pseudonymous

Tried something for Cognitive Function? Share how it went — only ever published as part of a group of 10+.

8linked compounds

57linked studies

0published community reports

Results By the numbers Community Research Compounds

Headline results for Cognitive Function.

Figures as the studies reported them.

Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.

Caffeine

19 of 20 results reported a benefit

5 studies, including a review of trials

Reaction timeModerate effectmoderately better than the comparison groupAverage of 2 results · 2 reviews of trials5 of 5 results reported a benefit2025 study 1 ↗2020 study 2 ↗
Attention accuracySlight effectslightly better than the comparison group1 review of trials2 of 2 results reported a benefit2025 study ↗
Executive functionSlight effectslightly better than the comparison group1 review of trials2 of 2 results reported a benefit2020 study ↗

No figure given: Attention and vigilance (reported a benefit); Memory (reported a benefit); Shooting accuracy (no clear benefit).

Also measured alongside: Driving performance (reported a benefit); Crystallised intelligence (reported a benefit); Self-rated energy and mood (reported a benefit); and 1 more.

1 more measure

Creatine Monohydrate

3 of 8 results reported a benefit

3 studies, including a review of trials

Memory performanceSlight effectslightly better than the comparison group1 review of trials2 of 3 results reported a benefit2023 study ↗

No figure given: Working memory (no clear benefit); Mixed thinking and memory tasks (reported a benefit); Other thinking tasks (no clear benefit); Reasoning ability (no clear benefit).

Every result

Resveratrol

8 of 11 results reported a benefit

3 studies, including a review of trials

Memory performanceSlight effectslightly better than the comparison group1 review of trials2018 study ↗
Overall thinking skillsNegligible effectlittle or no difference vs the comparison group1 randomised trial2021 study ↗

Also measured alongside: Negative mood (reported a benefit); Brain volume loss (possible harm); Brain blood flow (reported a benefit); and 5 more.

Every result

Ginkgo Biloba

4 of 8 results reported a benefit

2 studies, including a review of trials

Overall thinking skills2.86lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2015 study ↗
New Alzheimer's disease casesNo clear difference16% higher rate1 randomised trial2008 study ↗
New dementia casesNo clear difference12% higher rate1 randomised trial0 of 2 results reported a benefit2008 study ↗

No figure given: Thinking outcomes (general) (unclear).

Also measured alongside: Daily living abilities (reported a benefit); Doctor-rated overall change (reported a benefit); Combined dementia outcomes (reported a benefit).

Every result

Vitamin B12

2 of 3 results reported a benefit

2 studies, including a review of trials

Overall thinking skillsNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedVitamin B12 supplementation showed no significant benefit for cognitive function compared with placebo in people with dementia and low B12.1 review of trials2003 study ↗

No figure given: Attention and calculation (reported a benefit); Visual-spatial ability (reported a benefit).

Every result

Lion Mane

3 of 5 results reported a benefit

3 randomised trials, 41 people

Overall thinking skillsMixed results2 randomised trials · no comparable figure reported2 of 3 results reported a benefit2009 study ↗

No figure given: Attention task speed (reported a benefit).

Also measured alongside: Self-rated stress (no clear benefit).

Every result

Spermidine

3 of 5 results reported a benefit

3 randomised trials, 100 people

Memory performanceNo clear difference0.03 lower, unit not reported1 randomised trial2 of 3 results reported a benefit2022 study ↗
Overall thinking skillsRose by 2.23 points compared with the start of the studyon the MMSE scale1 randomised trial, compared with the start of the study2021 study ↗
Verbal fluency and alertnessNo clear differencerose by 1.99, unit not reported compared with the start of the study1 randomised trial, compared with the start of the study2021 study ↗

Every result

Where the evidence is concentrated.

Published research

Cognitive Function: findings by compound

What this means: Bars count reported findings, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.

One study may report several findings or appear in more than one pairing. Counts do not show the size of an effect. Comparable numerical estimates are not established for this summary.

View the full data table

Published research: reported directions by pairing
Compound and condition	Findings (count)	Studies (count)	Reported results (finding counts)	How sure?
Caffeine	20	5	Benefit: 19; no benefit: 1; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Creatine Monohydrate	9	3	Benefit: 3; no benefit: 4; harm: 1; unclear: 1; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Resveratrol	11	3	Benefit: 8; no benefit: 0; harm: 1; unclear: 2; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Ginkgo Biloba	8	2	Benefit: 4; no benefit: 3; harm: 0; unclear: 1; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Vitamin B12	3	2	Benefit: 2; no benefit: 1; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Lion Mane	5	3	Benefit: 3; no benefit: 2; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Spermidine	5	3	Benefit: 3; no benefit: 2; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded

Degree of benefit for Cognitive Function

Strongest evidence first.

Published research: Cognitive Function. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Compound	Study designs	Reported findings
CaffeineResearch score 75/100 · Strong	5 systematic reviews/meta-analyses — 5 studies	19/20 outcomes showed benefit Executive functionSlightly better than the comparison group (slight effect)benefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures g = 0.35 (95 % CI: 0.15-0.55) · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effects of acute caffeine consumption following sleep loss on cognitive, physical, occupational and driving performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 31837359 Self-reported energy, mood and cognitive function during exerciseReported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2021 study ↗ Exact figures No figures reported · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Caffeine and Cognitive Functions in Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 33800853 AccuracySlightly better than the comparison group (slight effect)benefit2025 study ↗ Exact figures g = 0.27 n=1455 · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): 1455 · Recorded unit: Not reported · A systematic review and meta-analysis of the acute effect of caffeine on attention · Systematic Review · systematic-review · PMID 40335666 Reaction timeSlightly better than the comparison group (slight effect)benefit2025 study ↗ Exact figures g = 0.28 n=1455 · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): 1455 · Recorded unit: Not reported · A systematic review and meta-analysis of the acute effect of caffeine on attention · Systematic Review · systematic-review · PMID 40335666 +16 more outcomes →
Creatine MonohydrateResearch score 30/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 systematic review/meta-analysis + 2 randomised trials — 3 studies	3/9 outcomes showed benefit Cognitive performance (random number generation, forward number/spatial recall, long-term memory tasks)Reported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2007 study ↗ Exact figures n=15 · Follow-up: 1 week · Sample (as reported): 15 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Creatine supplementation and cognitive performance in elderly individuals. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 17828627 Exploratory cognitive tasksNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures n=123 · Follow-up: 6 weeks · Sample (as reported): 123 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance-a randomised controlled study. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 37968687 Memory performance (older adults)Much better than the comparison group (large effect)benefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures 0.88 (95%CI, 0.22-1.55; P=0.009) · Follow-up: 5 days to 24 weeks · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 35984306 Memory performance (overall)Slightly better than the comparison group (slight effect)benefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures 0.29 (95%CI, 0.04-0.53; P=0.02) · Follow-up: 5 days to 24 weeks · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 35984306 +5 more outcomes →
ResveratrolResearch score 50/100 · Moderate	1 systematic review/meta-analysis + 2 randomised trials — 3 studies	8/11 outcomes showed benefit CVR to cognitive stimuliSlightly better than the comparison group (slight effect)benefit2021 study ↗ Exact figures 0.259 (d = 0.259, P = 0.032) n=125 · Follow-up: 24 months · Sample (as reported): 125 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Long-term effects of resveratrol on cognition, cerebrovascular function and cardio-metabolic markers in postmenopausal women: A 24-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 32900519 Overall cognitive performanceLittle or no difference vs the comparison group (negligible effect)benefit2021 study ↗ Exact figures 0.170 (Cohen's d = 0.170, P = 0.005) n=125 · Follow-up: 24 months · Sample (as reported): 125 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Long-term effects of resveratrol on cognition, cerebrovascular function and cardio-metabolic markers in postmenopausal women: A 24-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 32900519 Delayed recognitionSlightly better than the comparison group (slight effect)benefit2018 study ↗ Exact figures 0.39 (95% CI 0.08-0.70; I2 = 0%; P = 0.01) n=166 · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): 166 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effect of resveratrol supplementation on cognitive performance and mood in adults: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 29596658 Negative moodLittle or no difference vs the comparison group (negligible effect)benefit2018 study ↗ Exact figures -0.18 (95% CI -0.31 to -0.05; I2 = 0%; P = 0.006) n=163 · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): 163 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effect of resveratrol supplementation on cognitive performance and mood in adults: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 29596658 +7 more outcomes →
Ginkgo BilobaResearch score 29/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 systematic review/meta-analysis + 1 randomised trial — 2 studies	4/8 outcomes showed benefit Progression to dementia with mild cognitive impairmentNo clear difference (13% higher rate)no benefit2008 study ↗ Exact figures 1.13 (95% CI, 0.85-1.50; P = .39) n=482 · Follow-up: 6.1 years · Sample (as reported): 482 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 19017911 Cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer's disease subgroupUnclear result — measurement not reportedunclear2015 study ↗ Exact figures No figures reported · Follow-up: 22-26 weeks · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 25114079 Clinicians' Global Impression of Change (CGIC) — the clinician's overall rating of change88% higher odds than the comparison groupbenefit2015 study ↗ Exact figures 1.88 (95%CI 1.54; 2.29) n=2,561 · Follow-up: 22-26 weeks · Sample (as reported): 2,561 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 25114079 Cognition (change score)2.86 lower, unit not reportedbenefit2015 study ↗ Exact figures -2.86 (95%CI -3.18; -2.54) n=2,561 · Follow-up: 22-26 weeks · Sample (as reported): 2,561 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 25114079 +4 more outcomes →
Vitamin B12Research score 29/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 systematic review/meta-analysis + 1 randomised trial — 2 studies	2/3 outcomes showed benefit Cognitive function in people with dementia and low serum B12No clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2003 study ↗ Exact figures No figures reported · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Vitamin B12 for cognition. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 12918012 Attention and calculationReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures (p < 0.01) n=115 · Follow-up: six months · Sample (as reported): 115 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Vitamin B12 supplementation improves cognitive function in middle aged and elderly patients with cognitive impairment. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 37334792 Visual-constructional abilityReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures (p < 0.05) n=115 · Follow-up: six months · Sample (as reported): 115 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Vitamin B12 supplementation improves cognitive function in middle aged and elderly patients with cognitive impairment. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 37334792
Lion ManeResearch score 47/100 · Limited	3 randomised trials — 3 studies	3/5 outcomes showed benefit Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)Reported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2019 study ↗ Exact figures No figures reported · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 31413233 Cognitive function scale (HDS-R based), weeks 8-16 of treatmentReported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2009 study ↗ Exact figures n=30 · Follow-up: 16 weeks · Sample (as reported): 30 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 18844328 Cognitive function scale, 4 weeks after stopping treatmentNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2009 study ↗ Exact figures n=30 · Follow-up: 4 weeks · Sample (as reported): 30 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 18844328 Stroop task performance speedReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures (p = 0.005) n=41 · Follow-up: 60 min post dose · Sample (as reported): 41 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 38004235 +1 more outcome →
SpermidineResearch score 35/100 · Limited	3 randomised trials — 3 studies	3/5 outcomes showed benefit MMSE score in mild dementia (higher-dose group)Rose by 2.23 points compared with the start of the studybenefit2021 study ↗ Exact figures 2.23 (p = 0.026) n=85 · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): 85 · Recorded unit: points · The positive effect of spermidine in older adults suffering from dementia : First results of a 3-month trial · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 33211152 Memory performanceReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2018 study ↗ Exact figures .77 (95% confidence interval (CI): -.01, .35; 95% CI: 0, 1.53) n=30 · Follow-up: three-months · Sample (as reported): 30 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The effect of spermidine on memory performance in older adults at risk for dementia: A randomized controlled trial · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 30388439 Mnemonic discrimination abilityReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2018 study ↗ Exact figures .79 (95% CI: -.19, -.03; 95% CI: .01, 1.55) n=30 · Follow-up: three-months · Sample (as reported): 30 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The effect of spermidine on memory performance in older adults at risk for dementia: A randomized controlled trial · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 30388439 Mnemonic discrimination performanceNo clear difference (0.03 lower, unit not reported)no benefit2022 study ↗ Exact figures -0.03 (95% CI, -0.11 to 0.05; P = .47) n=100 · Follow-up: 12 months · Sample (as reported): 100 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effects of Spermidine Supplementation on Cognition and Biomarkers in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Clinical Trial · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 35616942 +1 more outcome →

Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.

No community reports published yet.

We publish cognitive function results only once at least 10 people report on the same compound, so no individual report is ever shown.

Caffeine
Research saysResearch score 75/100 · Strong5 of 5 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
Resveratrol
Research saysResearch score 50/100 · Moderate2 of 3 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
Lion Mane
Research saysResearch score 47/100 · Limited3 of 3 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
Spermidine
Research saysResearch score 35/100 · Limited2 of 3 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports

Used something for cognitive function? Share how it went — only ever published in a group of 10 or more.

Add your outcome

Peer-reviewed research.

Every study behind the numbers above is linked next to its result.

47 more papers, not summarised above

Strongest evidence first.

01Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementiaWieland LS, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2026