DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a natural amino alcohol and a precursor to 
choline and acetylcholine in the brain. DMAE naturally occurs in fish, 
especially sardines, herring and anchovies. Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer, M.D., 
Ph.D. introduced DMAE in 1957 under the trade name Deaner. DMAE by itself is 
alkaline and caustic, so only salts and esters of DMAE are used in products. 
Deaner, a prescription drug, is the p-acetamidobenzoate salt of DMAE. The 
bitartrate and PABA salts of DMAE, which are available in vitamin stores, 
have the same active constituents.

     DMAE is reported to elevate mood, increase intelligence, improve memory 
and learning, and extend lifespan. DMAE also stabilizes lysosome membranes, 
preventing the uncontrolled leakage of lysosomal enzymes in the cells and 
the resulting damage of important intracellular organelles. Some researchers 
suggest that aging may be triggered by leakage of lysosomal enzymes into the 
cells and surrounding connective tissue as a result of membrane damage. 
Another theory proposes that aging is due in part to the accumulation of 
lipofuscin, or age pigment, a yellowish-brown substance that builds up in 
the skin and brain cells. DMAE can slow the rate of accumulation of 
lipofuscin and also speed up its removal.
     DMAE and the vitamin choline have similar structures; DMAE is choline 
with one methyl group removed. Both are reported to increase levels of 
acetylcholine in the brain, but choline must be processed in the liver 
first, while DMAE can be transported directly across the blood-brain 
barrier. This explains why DMAE works more consistently when taken to 
increase concentration and short-term memory. DMAE supplementation is best 
started with a small amount and increased gradually. A large dose taken 
before the body gets used to it could result in a temporary condition of 
muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders. This almost never happens at 
typical doses of DMAE, but as a precaution it's best to increase the dose at 
weekly intervals.