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 dimethylaminoethanol is presently marketed as a dietary supplement, but at one time it was used as a drug for the treatment of hyperactivity in children and was also used for such conditions as neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia. Deanol was thought to affect tardive dyskinesia (a trembling disorder caused by long-term anti-psychotic medication) because it was believed to be a cholinergic precursor and to enhance acetylcholine synthesis in the brain. DMAE may in fact possess the ability to increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine but studies that indicate that DMAE is a precursor to acetylcholine are not conclusive.

Results with DMAE in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia are mostly negative. Claims that deanol is helpful in Alzheimer's disease, age-related cognitive deficits and in aging itself have not been substantiated.

Dosage

DMAE is available as a liquid or as deanol bitartrate. Typical doses are 100 milligrams daily. DMAE is not usually recommended.