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Anti-Aging Brain Food: DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical naturally produced in the human brain. It is thought to be used by the body in converting the precursor choline to the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. [47,49,51]
Lipofuscin is a cellular pigment consisting of aggregated molecular waste. It tends to occur in the cells of people over 40 years old. It is thought that lipofuscin is not simply a byproduct of aging but may also contribute to the aging process. Neurons, heart and skin of older people usually contain particularly large amounts of lipofiscin. DMAE has shown that it reduced the accumulation of lipofuscin deposits inside cells. [51,52]
DMAE was found helpful in patients with age related cognitive decline. DMAE was given in a dosage of 600 mg a day for four weeks to fourteen older patients. 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. [48]. The researchers suggest that although DMAE may not improve memory, it may produce positive behavioral changes in some dementia patients. [47].
DMAE has been looked at for its anti-inflammatory agent as an anti-aging nutrient. A recent study shows DMAE cream is able to increase firmness of skin. [50,52]
Most people notice being more alert and focused within a couple of hours after taking DMAE orally. The effects can last most of the day. It is best to take DMAE early part of the day. DMAE is available in dosages ranging from 100 to 400 mg. It is best to start with a low dose, such as 50 to 150 mg since high doses can cause anxiety, restlessness, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. DMAE taken late in the day may cause insomnia. [52].
SIDE EFFECTS: Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects.7 For this reason, DMAE is believed to be relatively nontoxic.
- However, one study using higher intakes for Alzheimers disease patients did report symptoms of drowsiness and confusion with the use of DMAE.8
- A possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use.9
- Depression and hypomania (moderate symptoms of mania) have been reported as side effects of DMAE.10
DMAE can be found in cold water fish such as sardines and salmon.
Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/anti-aging.htm Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
References
47. Ferris SH, Sathananthan G, Gershon S, et al. Senile dementia.
Treatment with Deanol. J Am Ger Soc 1977;25:241�44.
48. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-
dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer's disease. Am J Psych 1981;138:970ï
72.
49. Pfeiffer, C., et al. Stimulant effect of 2-Dimethyl-l-
aminoethanol (DMAE): Possible precursor of brain acetylcholine.
Science. 126:610-611, 1957.
50. Murphree, H. B., et al. The stimulant effect of 2-
diethylaminoethanol (DMAE) in human volunteer subjects. Clinical
Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 1:303-310, 1960.
51. Ceder, G., et al. Effects of 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) on the
metabolism of choline in plasma. Journal of Neurochemistry. 30:1293-
1296, 1978.
52. Zs-Nagy, I., et al. On the role of cross-linking of cellular
proteins in aging. Mech Aging Dev. 14:245-251, 1980.
