1-acyl-2-pyrrolidinones of general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: phenyl substituted with halogen-substituted lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl; phenylalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety has 2-4 carbon atoms; phenylalkenyl wherein the alkenyl moiety has 2-4 carbon atoms and the phenyl moiety is substituted with halogen-substituted lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl; N-substituted pyrrolidin-2-yl; and pyrid-3-yl are potent enhancers of learning and memory. Orally or parenterally administrable pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form comprise from about 100 to 500 mg of one of the compound of formula (I).