There was an article recently, which has unfortunately been lost to the depths of the internet scatter machine, describing recent increases in Japanese usage of so-called nootropic chemicals . In it the author describe how Japanese businessmen and foreign residents alike have encountered improvements in memory and mental agility thanks to a relatively benign chemical known commercially as Piracetam.

You can find it relatively easily from various online sources, including ebay., and for less than $100 US, you can have a 3-month supply.

In terms of efficacy, it does seem like it creates a certain harmony between the various subprocesses of the brain, and it has been touted as a cure-all for a number of conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s to nausea to helping repair damage from physical trauma. A list of studies can be found on piracetam.com. There are some interesting testimonials on erowid as well!