Main content

HealthWise KnowledgeBase

DMAE

Uses

What Are "Star" Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Alzheimer’s Disease Refer to label instructions	DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of a brain neurotransmitter, which may foster positive behavior changes in people with dementia. Reference DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In one preliminary trial, people with senile dementia were given DMAE supplements of 600 mg three times per day for four weeks. The participants did not show any changes in memory, though some did show positive behavior changes.¹ However, a subsequent double-blind trial found no significant benefit from DMAE supplementation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.²
1 Star Tardive Dyskinesia Refer to label instructions	Taking dimethylaminoethanol may help reduce symptoms. Reference Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a natural choline precursor. Although some preliminary data suggested that DMAE could decrease TD symptoms,³ most studies show that DMAE is no more effective than placebo for TD.⁴

Used for

Why

1 Star

Alzheimer’s Disease

Refer to label instructions

DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of a brain neurotransmitter, which may foster positive behavior changes in people with dementia.

Reference DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In one preliminary trial, people with senile dementia were given DMAE supplements of 600 mg three times per day for four weeks. The participants did not show any changes in memory, though some did show positive behavior changes.¹ However, a subsequent double-blind trial found no significant benefit from DMAE supplementation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.²

1 Star

Tardive Dyskinesia

Refer to label instructions

Taking dimethylaminoethanol may help reduce symptoms.

Reference Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a natural choline precursor. Although some preliminary data suggested that DMAE could decrease TD symptoms,³ most studies show that DMAE is no more effective than placebo for TD.⁴

How It Works

How to Use It

DMAE supplementation is not recommended at this time.

Where to Find It

DMAE is found as a supplement, although it is not widely available.

Possible Deficiencies

No deficiencies of DMAE are reported or believed to occur.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects.⁵ For this reason, DMAE is believed to be relatively nontoxic. However, one study using higher intakes for Reference Alzheimer’s disease patients did report symptoms of drowsiness and confusion with the use of DMAE.⁶ A possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use.⁷ Reference Depression and hypomania (moderate symptoms of mania) have been reported as side effects of DMAE.⁸

Related Information

Reference What Are Depletions & Interactions?

References

1. Ferris SH, Sathananthan G, Gershon S, et al. Senile dementia. Treatment with Deanol. J Am Geriatr Soc 1977;25:241–4.

2. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970–2.

3. Casey DE, Denney D. Dimethylaminoethanol in tardive dyskinesia. N Engl J Med 1974;291:797 [letter].

4. Soares, KV, McGrath JJ. The treatment of tardive dyskinesia–a systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 1999;39:1–16 [review].

5. Casey DE, Denney D. Dimethylaminoethanol in tardive dyskinesia. N Engl J Med 1974;291:797.

6. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970–2.

7. Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses 1988;26:255–7.

8. Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy. Psychopharmacology 1979;62:187–91.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.