Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)

Dimethylaminoethanol (or DMAE) is more widely known and marketed as a memory and mood enhancer, but some studies have shown that it improves intellectual functioning and mental acuity. These studies posit that DMAE has a role in increasing levels of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This is why drugs and supplements called "cholinergics" that increase acetylcholine have been used to treat Alzheimer's disease and ADHD.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
There is some evidence that Dimethylaminoethanol may be helpful for ADHD, according to studies performed in the 1970s. Two such studies were cited in a review article on DMAE. Fifty children ranging in age from 6 to 12 years who had been diagnosed with hyperkinesia (their diagnosis today would most likely be ADHD) participated in a double-blind study comparing Dimethylaminoethanol to placebo. The dosage began at 300 mg daily and increased to 500 mg daily by the third week. This dosage schedule continued for a total of 10 weeks. Evaluations revealed statistically significant test score improvements in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. Another double-blind study compared Dimethylaminoethanol with both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and placebo in 74 children described as having unspecified "learning disabilities" (also what we would probably diagnose as ADHD today). It found significant test score improvement for both treatment groups over a 10-week period. Positive results were also seen in a small open study.