| DMAE Sources: raysahelian.com; healthwell.com DMAE is known chemically as dimethyl-amino-ethanol. DMAE has been known in Europe by the product name Deanol for more than three decades. DMAE has two methyl groups and is chemically similar to choline. This nutrient has been popular for many years among those interested in improving mental alertness and clarity of thinking. Studies on DMAE go back to the 1950s. One double blind, placebo-controlled trial performed with in twenty-seven patients with severe Alzheimer's disease did not show any significant benefits (Fisman 1981). Another study on twenty-one patients with memory deficits was also discouraging since no improvement was found in memory (Caffarra 1980). However, DMAE was found helpful in patients with age related cognitive decline. This nutrient was given in a dosage of up to 600 mg three times a day for four weeks to fourteen older patients (Ferris 1977). Ten patients improved and four were unchanged. The patients on DMAE had reduced depression, less anxiety, and increased motivation, but they had no improvement in memory. The researchers say, "the results thus suggest that although DMAE may not improve memory, it may produce positive behavioural changes in some senile patients." Dementia is a term that is now substituted for senility and is sometimes used to denote a severe case of age related cognitive decline. Deficiency and Risk Symptoms No deficiencies of DMAE are reported or believed to occur. Recommended Dosage DMAE supplementation is not recommended at this time. Contraindications Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects;6 for this reason, DMAE is believed to be relatively nontoxic. However, one study using higher intakes for Alzheimer's disease patients did report symptoms of drowsiness and confusion with the use of DMAE.7 A possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use. |