Glutamic acid (also called "glutamate") is the chief excitatory neurotransmitter in the human and mammalian brain (1-3).  Glutamate neurons make up an extensive network throughout the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and visual/auditory system (4).  As a consequence, glutamate neurotransmission is essential for cognition, memory, movement, and sensation (especially taste, sight, hearing) (3).  Glutamate and its biochemical "cousin," aspartic acid or aspartate, are the two most plentiful amino acids in the brain (5).  Aspartate is also a major excitatory neurotransmitter and aspartate can activate neurons in place of glutamate (1,2). 

January 19, 2007 — A randomized, placebo-controlled trial has shown daily folic acid significantly improves cognitive performance in older adults — specifically as it relates to memory and information processing.