Dimethylaminoethanol is often referred to in its abbreviated name - deanol or DMAE. DMAE is a precursor molecule to choline, which in turn is a constituent of several neurotransmitter molecules. It is thought that supplementation with DMAE will increase production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. DMAE is available in many salt or ester forms under a number of different name endings; all of these chemical versions are given the first name of deanol, thereby assisting in its identification.

DMAE was at one time sold only as a drug; it is now available as a dietary supplement. DMAE is utilized for certain conditions affecting neurotransmitter production in the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).