DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical that has been used to treat a number of conditions affecting the brain and central nervous system. Like other such treatments, it is thought to work by increasing production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, although this has not been proven. More widely marketed today as a memory and mood enhancer, DMAE is said to improve intellectual functioning; however, there are no clinical studies that support its use for these purposes. The basis for such claims probably stems from its purported ability to increase levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Drugs and supplements called "cholinergics" that increase acetylcholine have been used to treat Alzheimer's disease , tardive dyskinesia , and Huntington's chorea. Because DMAE was believed to be a cholinergic, it has been tried for all of these disorders. However, well-designed double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have yielded almost entirely negative results. Preliminary evidence suggests that DMAE may be helpful for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
DMAE is an anti-oxidant that helps stabilize cell membranes so helps protects cell membranes from being attacked by free radicals. DMAE can rapidly improve the appearance of sagging skin and also boosts the effects of other anti-oxidants. It has been marketed for over 50 years — most recently as a dietary supplement that is promoted mainly to treat dementia and memory loss. In general, dementia is a serious cognition impairment that may be caused by stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, substance abuse, brain infection, or injury to the brain or spinal cord. Cognition includes the mental processes used to acquire, maintain, retrieve, and utilize information. Individuals who have dementia often also have a low level of a natural chemical known as acetylcholine. A neurotransmitter (a natural body chemical involved in carrying signals from nerve cells to other cells), acetylcholine plays a role in learning, remembering, and thinking. The main component of acetylcholine is a substance known as choline, which comes from foods and also may be converted in the body from other substances, including DMAE.
References:
Health Library. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21390
Drug Digest. http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,9101%7CDMAE,00.html
