In this blog post, Kelly Dorfman, MS, LND discusses DMAE, carnosine and piracetam for improving cognitive function in children with autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
Convincing evidence shows that certain substances can improve specific aspects of thinking. Here are three promising supplements to consider for anyone interested in improving cognitive function.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)
DMAE is a relative of the nutrient choline. But, unlike choline, DMAE readily crosses the brain-blood barrier. It thus directly increases the generation of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter.
Choline and DMAE are found in eggs, fish and soybeans. Acetylcholine is abundant in both the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum. These nutrients are thus involved in cognitive processes controlled by these parts of the brain, such as memory, problem solving, organization, rational thinking, balance and movement. Children with motor issues and low arousal may benefit from an increase in acetylcholine availability.
Indications
Best for children whose prevailing problems are spaciness and poor organizational skills.
Precautions
Avoid in children who have high muscle tension, sleep disturbances or agitation rather than distractibility. DMAE can increase muscle tension levels. As with all supplements, stop immediately if irritability occurs.
Dosing Range
50 -200 mg in children.
Carnosine
Carnosine is a protein consisting of two amino acids, alanine and histidine, bound together. Normally made in the body or consumed in meat, carnosine is found at high levels in the brain, lens of the eye and skeletal muscle tissue. Carnosine protects brain cells against premature aging by slowing down destructive oxidative stress, and has no known toxicity. It also improves circulation in the brain and reduces heavy metals especially zinc and copper.
Indications
Best for children suspected of having cognitive epilepsy, including those with irregular EEGs, but no frank seizures, who are not responding well to other interventions. Monitor with an EEG before treatment and after 12 weeks of therapy.
Precautions
Stop if irritability increases or agitation occurs.
Dosing Range
A Chicago-based pediatric neurologist uses the following experimental protocol:
- One 200mg capsule in a.m. for first five days;
- One 200 mg capsule in a.m. and one 200 mg capsule in p.m. for next five days;
- Two 200 mg capsules in a.m. and two 200 mg capsules in p.m. for 12 weeks.
Piracetam
Although few chemicals are promoted in this country to improve cognitive ability, piracetam is a prescription drug that is sold over the counter in Europe and does just that. Piracetam appears to work by ameliorating oxidative stress, a general measure of destructive processes in the body.
Evidence shows that piracetam also increases membrane (permeability?) fluidity. As tissues become more rigid with age, the body’s ability to transport substances across membranes decreases. Piracetam seems to normalize fluid movement without increasing it above optimum.
Oxygen needs to be moved across membranes in the brain. Piracetam has been studied for decades as an anti-hypoxic agent. Hypoxia occurs when there are low oxygen levels in the tissues and has an adverse effect on cognitive functioning.
Motor planning may also improve with piracetam. The drug seems to help the left and right hemispheres of the brain communicate better across the corpus callosum.
Studies have found that piracetam significantly increased language in children with aphasia and other language delays. One study also found dramatic increases in motor skills in children taking piracetam. Several children with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), have responded remarkably well to piracetam. One 18-month-old girl was able to sit up and use her hands for the first time after one month on piracetam.
Indications
Best for children who have significant motor planning issues, have skills but are slow to respond, and those with low arousal states. Children with cerebral palsy, ACC and Down syndrome all have a history of good responses to piracetam.
Precautions
Avoid in children with sleep disturbances, irritability, hyperactivity or perseverative behavior. Always stop if there is an increase in any of these symptoms.
Dosing Range
30 to 50 mg/kilogram per day as prescribed by your physician. Available from Europe without a prescription through the internet. (Visit the International Antiaging Systems (IAS) website: www.antiaging-systems.com)
These exciting compounds provide promising possibilities for children with special needs.
About Kelly Dorfman MS LND
Kelly Dorfman is one of the world’s foremost experts on using nutrition therapeutically to improve brain function, energy and mood. Kelly’s special talent for integrating information from many sources and finding practical solutions has made her a popular speaker and workshop leader. She lectures extensively and is a member of Platform (formerly the National Speakers Association) and has been featured on numerous television programs including CNN’s American Morning.
Kelly’s award winning book, Cure Your Child With Food: The Hidden Connection Between Nutrition and Childhood Ailments (formerly known as What’s Eating Your Child) was given rave reviews by Publishers Weekly and the Washington Post.
As a go-to expert on nutrition issues, Kelly is frequently interviewed and quoted in the media. She has been featured in articles in The Wall Street Journal, Parade, Bethesda magazine, Living Without magazine, and the Huffington Post.
Kelly holds a master’s degree in nutrition/biology and is a licensed nutrition dietitian. She is a co-founder of Developmental Delay Resources, which has merged with Epidemic Answers. You can find out more about Kelly and her practice at kellydorfman.com
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Sources & References
Levinson, H.I. Dramatic favorable responses of children with learning disabilities or dyslexia and attention deficit disorder to antimotion sickness medications: four case reports. Percept Mot Skills. 1991 Dec;73(3 Pt 1):723-38.
Pottoo, F.H., et al. Therapeutic enhancing potential of piracetam with diethylstilbestrol in prevention of grand-mal seizures in rats: inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α cytokines levels. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 May;27(10):4735-4751.
Winblad, B. Piracetam: a review of pharmacological properties and clinical uses. CNS Drug Rev. 2005 Summer;11(2):169-82.
Yang, Y., et al. Piracetam inhibits ethanol (EtOH)-induced memory deficit by mediating multiple pathways. Brain Res. 2017 Dec 1;1676:83-90.
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