DMAE is an antioxidant and free radical deactivator which is found naturally in the human brain. It is thought to be the precursor for acetylcholine which conducts nerve impulses within the brain (a neurotransmitter). The theory is that by increasing the production of acetylcholine, DMAE can help improve memory and learning as well as perhaps reducing memory loss in older adults. Some individuals also report that DMAE causes a noticeable boost in their ability to concentrate. DMAE has been reported to offer the following benefits:

• Alleviates the behavioral problems and hyperactivity associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (increases attention span, decreases aggression, improves learning ability and sometimes increases intelligence in 70% of ADD patients).
• Inhibits and reverses the cross-linking of proteins and facilitates the removal of lipofuscin from neurons.
• Decreases the incidence and severity of hangovers in people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol (subjects reported freedom from the depression or headaches associated with hangovers).
• Increases the body's production of energy.
• People who use DMAE supplements report that after 3-4 weeks of DMAE use, they notice a continual mild stimulation of their CNS without side effects and a possible boost energy.
• Alleviates anxiety (subjects administered 1,200 mg of DMAE per day for 5 days exhibited better control of anxious reactivity)
• Increases assertiveness (subjects reported having a more outspoken personality).
• Reduces apathy and increases motivation in persons afflicted with depression.
• Improves creativity and verbal thinking (fluency).
• Improves the behavior and mental function of children afflicted with Down’s Syndrome.
• Exerts favorable effects on those chronic dyskinesias (including tardive dyskinesia) that occur as a result of long periods of major tranquilizers use.
• Increases intelligence, improves learning and memory.(especially in children).Several studies have shown no memory benefit in senile dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
• Elevates mood.
• Reduces the amount of sleep required by about 1 hour per night, causes dreams to become more lucid (vivid), and users experience sounder sleep.
• Increases daytime motivation and physical energy in persons afflicted with insomnia.
• Increases willpower (subjects who previously were unable to stop smoking reported success).
• Removes lipofuscin (age spots) from the skin.
• Increases acetylcholine levels within the brain.

DMAE (brand names Deaner and Deanol) is sold in many health food stores. Recommended dosages start at 100 mg / day and extend up to 600 mg / day as needed. Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects and is believed to be relatively nontoxic Overdosage can lead to insomnia, headaches, and muscle tension, but these effects should disappear when intake is lowered or stopped. No deficiencies of DMAE have been reported or are believed to occur. DMAE should not be used by epileptics or those with manic depression.