DMAE

DMAE (deanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, or dimethylethanolamine) is a substance that occurs naturally in the brain. Sardines, anchovies and other seafood contain small amounts of DMAE, but this compound is not considered a nutrient. DMAE is involved in a number of reactions in the body that form acetylcholine - a chemical found in the brain and other areas of the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps nerve cells communicate with each other. DMAE is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, autism and a movement disorder called dyskinesia tarda.

It is also used to improve memory and mood, to increase thinking ability and intelligence, and to improve physical energy, oxygen efficiency, athletic performance and muscle reflexes. In addition, DMAE is used to prevent age spots and liver spots, improve red blood cell function and extend lifespan. DMAE is applied to the skin to reduce the signs of ageing - especially sagging or drooping skin.

How does DMAE work?

DMAE may provide antioxidant support and is used to make choline, which is essential for the following:

Healthy nerves and brain cells
Heart health
Fat metabolism

As a precursor to choline, DMAE may increase acetylcholine levels - a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in cognition and memory. Clinically, such an effect can be seen in an improvement in disorders of brain function and brain performance, in particular the symptoms of memory impairment, poor concentration, lack of drive, increased fatigue and depressive mood. The influence of DMAE on the levels of choline and acetylcholine is complex and is not yet fully understood. DMAE increases choline blood levels, but it also competes for the same brain transporter.

As a result, it is possible that DMAE does not increase acetylcholine levels in the brain (1). Two studies conducted in rats have observed no difference in brain acetylcholine levels following DMAE supplementation (2). On the other hand, drugs containing DMAE may stimulate acetylcholine production and cognition. They probably require additional compounds that enhance the uptake and effects of DMAE in the brain (3).

Is DMAE a nootropic?

DMAE is referred to as a nootropic substance. Nootropics are substances that are intended to improve brain performance (in the sense of activating impaired adaptive performance). They activate higher brain functions and stimulate cortical vigilance. They are also thought to be responsible for functional selectivity in the telencephalon (end brain) and for restoring certain parts of the higher nervous system. What is remarkable about nootropic substances is that they do not interfere with the subcortical processes that take place in the brain stem (reticular and limbic systems), but only have a direct effect on consciousness via the cortical systems.

Although the neurochemical processes have not yet been fully researched, it is known that nootropic activities only influence certain regions of the brain. These substances influence the cell membranes in terms of permeability and stress resistance, and also have an effect on serotonin production. Nootropic substances such as DMAE are primarily being researched with regard to the age-related decline in mental functions (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) and the ageing process.

What are the health benefits of DMAE?

Can DMAE improve memory performance and cognitive abilities?

In a clinical study of 60 patients with mild mental disorders, DMAE was found to improve cognition, strength and energy levels (9). In another study, a specific form of DMAE - DMAE pyroglutamate - at a dosage of 1,500 mg per day for 6 days reversed short-term cognitive impairment in 24 healthy men. Tests with rats showed the same results (10). Pyroglutamate on its own could increase acetylcholine levels and improve cognition and likely contributed to the results.

In addition, the study lacked a control group. Centrophenoxine, which contains DMAE as an active ingredient, was found to improve long-term memory and increase alertness in a study of 60 healthy volunteers. The same drug improved memory performance in 50 elderly people with dementia in another study (11). However, in other studies of elderly people with mild memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, DMAE did not improve cognition (12).

Can DMAE improve mental health?

In a study of 80 healthy volunteers, a supplement containing DMAE, vitamins and minerals improved mood, energy and well-being (13). In another study of 14 senile patients, DMAE at a dosage of 1,800 mg per day for 4 weeks reduced signs of depression, anxiety and irritability, but did not improve cognition (14). In rats exposed to stress, centrophenoxine, which contains DMAE, was able to reduce anxiety. In another study conducted with rats, this drug was able to increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, both of which are essential for good mental health (15).

In a study involving 100 test subjects, DMAE was shown to be effective against chronic fatigue and mild depression. Motivation and personality development were improved, as was sleep. In other studies, patients suffering from anxiety were examined. In the test subjects who received DMAE, a significant increase in the synchronization of the two hemispheres of the brain was observed. Neuro-motor control was improved, vocabulary memory increased and anxiety could be processed more easily. However, in sensitive individuals, DMAE caused unpleasant side effects and worsened mental health in some studies, so caution must be advised until more is known about the effects of DMAE on mental health (16).

Does DMAE have anti-ageing effects?

In an animal study with rats, DMAE was found to dissolve water-insoluble protein structures that occur with age in brain tissue and elsewhere. These protein structures are caused by free radicals. In other studies, DMAE was able to prevent the increased occurrence of wear pigments (lipofuzin), a sign of ageing in the brain and heart muscle. DMAE supports enzymes that act as antioxidants and inhibit the formation of free radicals.

Can DMAE help with attention disorders?

DMAE can be used positively for behavioral and learning problems such as hyperactivity, hyperkinesis (involuntary movements) and attention deficits, which occur mainly, but not only, in children. However, there are very few studies on this. A three-month treatment with 500 mg DMAE was able to improve school performance in a study of 74 children with behavioral and learning disorders (17). However, this study had a number of shortcomings, including a small and unbalanced subject group, questionable subject selection and poor measurement of symptoms.

Can DMAE improve athletic performance?

There are a number of anecdotal reports that DMAE can help improve athletic performance when combined with vitamins and other supplements. However, studies on this are still pending.

Can DMAE improve mood?

Some people believe that DMAE can help alleviate depression and improve mood. In a small 1977 study of people suffering from age-related decline in cognitive function, DMAE reduced depression, anxiety and irritability (18). DMAE was also helpful in increasing motivation and initiative.

Can DMAE help with Alzheimer's disease?

In two studies with over 260 Alzheimer's patients, DMAE did not significantly improve the condition. Some of the study participants even had to discontinue the study due to severe side effects (19).

Can DMAE help with movement disorders?

There is no scientific research to support the anecdotal reports of benefits of DMAE for movement disorders. Clinical studies have not observed significant improvements in tardive dyskinesia, chorea and other movement disorders (21).

Can DMAE improve the appearance of the skin?

DMAE has gained popularity due to its purported skin care benefits. Science seems to support some of these claims. For example, a gel containing 3% DMAE (applied for 4 months) was shown to reduce signs of ageing in a clinical trial involving 156 participants. Users of the gel reported improvements in (4):

Wrinkles around the forehead and eyes
Shape and fullness of the lips
Dark circles around the eyes
Tautness of the skin around the neck
More youthful appearance of the skin

In another study of 30 participants, a gel containing 3% DMAE improved the firmness of the skin around the face (5). Furthermore, a formula containing DMAE was able to improve skin hydration and increase collagen production in human volunteers and mice (6). Mesotherapy (skin injections with tiny needles) with DMAE and amino acids was also able to increase collagen levels and produce visible anti-ageing effects in rats (7). Studies with cell cultures and rabbit skin suggest that the anti-aging effects of DMAE are partly based on cell damage and swelling, which could be a reason for safety concerns (8).

Can DMAE help with tardive dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia (dyskinesia tarda), a disease that primarily affects facial muscle motor function, is usually triggered by long-term treatment with neuroleptics. Long-term tests have shown that the simultaneous addition of DMAE inhibits the progression of tardive dyskinesia, allowing neuroleptics to continue to be administered. DMAE has also been shown to provide relief in other disorders of the extrapyramidal system, such as akathisia (inability to sit still).

What are the indications for the use of DMAE?

The main use is to improve brain performance, brain function and mood. DMAE - dimethylaminoethanol aims to improve higher brain functions such as thinking and memory as well as learning and concentration. This is associated with an increase in vigilance and mood. In addition, DMAE promotes normal sleep patterns - sleep becomes deeper and fatigue is reduced during the day. Due to the support of antioxidants and the inhibition of free radicals, ageing processes, especially in the brain, are also slowed down.

Does DMAE have side effects?

DMAE taken orally or applied to the skin is potentially safe and harmless for most people. When taken orally, DMAE can cause constipation, itching, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, restless dreams, confusion, depression, increased blood pressure, an increase in schizophrenic symptoms and unwanted movements of the face and mouth. When taken orally in high doses, inhaled or used on the skin, DMAE is associated with a number of serious potential risks. These include:

Skin irritation such as redness and swelling
muscle twitching
insomnia
Coughing, sneezing and wheezing
Severe irritation of the eyes
Convulsions (in people who are susceptible to this)

DMAE may exacerbate symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in some patients with mental disorders (23). In a clinical trial with Alzheimer's patients, 6 out of 13 participants had to discontinue the study prematurely due to drowsiness and cognitive impairment (24). Application to the skin of gels and creams containing DMAE did not cause skin irritation or other problems in clinical trials (26). However, a gel containing 3% DMAE caused swelling on the skin of rabbit ears, suggesting cell damage. In another study, higher concentrations of DMAE (up to 10%) inhibited the growth of human skin cells and even shortened their lifespan (26).

Who should not use DMAE?

Pregnant women should avoid DMAE as it can cause birth defects. In mouse embryos, DMAE impaired choline metabolism, leading to birth defects and slowed growth (21). A study conducted in animals has linked DMAE to spina bifida, a defect of the neural tubes (22). Since this defect can occur during the first days of pregnancy, women who wish to become pregnant should not use DMAE. Tonic-clonic seizures: People who suffer from tonic-clonic disorders should not use DMAE.

What interactions can DMAE have with medications?

Care should be taken when combining DMAE with the following medications:

Desiccant medications (anticholinergic medications)

Some drying medications are called anticholinergic medications. DMAE may increase the concentration of chemicals that can reduce the effect of these drying drugs.

Drugs against Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinersterase inhibitors)

DMAE may increase the concentration of acetylcholine in the body. Medications for Alzheimer's disease called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors also increase the concentration of acetylcholine. Taking DMAE in conjunction with these Alzheimer's medications could increase the effects and side effects of these medications.

Anticholinergic drugs

Anticholinergic drugs are used for a wide range of conditions including Parkinson's disease, COPD and overactive bladder. They work by blocking the effects of acetylcholine on nerve cells. Because DMAE enhances the effects of acetylcholine, people taking these medications should avoid DMAE.

Different drugs used to treat glaucoma, Alzheimer's and other diseases (cholinergic drugs)

DMAE may increase the concentration of acetylcholine in the body. This chemical is similar to some medications used to treat glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. Taking DMAE in conjunction with these medications could increase the risk of side effects.

What DMAE supplements are available?

DMAE bitartrate in capsule form is the most popular type of supplement, followed by powder formulations. Various DMAE creams and anti-ageing serums are available for skin care. Most of these products also contain coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, MSM, vitamin E and other beneficial ingredients. In clinical studies, a gel containing 3% DMAE improved the appearance of the skin when used for 4 months (27).

What DMAE dosage is used?

The following dosages have been studied in scientific research:

Oral:

For cognitive impairment
- Short-term: 1,500 mg per day for 6 days (28)
- For mental disorders: 1,000 mg per day for 30 days (29)
To improve mood in senile patients: 600 mg, three times a day for 30 days (30)
For attention deficit disorders in children: 500 mg per day for 3 months (31)
To improve exercise performance: 300 to 2000 mg DMAE per day.