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DMSO for memory loss
DMSO has no human trial for memory loss, and the safety record is about side effects, not about whether it helps a brain.
Nothing in this evidence tests DMSO against memory loss in people. What exists is a systematic review of 109 studies of DMSO given for other reasons, which found mostly mild, short-lived gut and skin reactions, and a dose relationship the authors could not pin down [3][4]. The one effect that could be blamed on DMSO alone was garlic breath, in about 11 in 100 patients [4]. Nausea ran about 12 in 100 overall [4], and burning or stinging skin about 16 in 100 when applied to the skin [4]. Heart-related reactions showed up only with intravenous DMSO [3][4].
| Route | Reaction | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Any | Garlic breath | 11 in 100 [4] |
| Any | Nausea | 12 in 100 [4] |
| Skin | Burning or stinging | 16 in 100 [4] |
| IV | Low blood pressure | 4 in 100 [4] |
The rest of the records are about DMSO as a solvent or carrier, not a memory drug: it appears as the vehicle in a curcumin mouse study [2] and as a control solvent in a rat study [1]. Neither says anything about DMSO improving memory. A single case report describes skin burning, swelling, and inflammation from 99% DMSO applied topically [5]. That is a real harm signal, not a benefit.
My call: do not use DMSO for memory loss. There is no human evidence it works, and the safety data covers short-term side effects, not long-term use. Confidence: moderate that the evidence does not support it.
Sources used 5
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mTOR referees memory and disease through mRNA repression and competition
Narrative review proposing that mTOR referees memory by repressing translation of candidate memory-suppressor mRNAs at synapses; rat PSD proteomics after rapamycin showed acute mTOR perturbation changes ~75% of postsynaptic density proteins.
DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12675 -
Curcumin Reduces Cognitive Deficits by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation through the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Apolipoprotein E4 Transgenic Mice
Curcumin reduces cognitive deficits by inhibiting neuroinflammation through the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in ApoE4 transgenic mice.
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04810 -
Adverse reactions of dimethyl sulfoxide in humans: a systematic review
In a systematic review of 109 studies, DMSO was associated with mostly transient, mild adverse reactions, most commonly gastrointestinal and skin reactions, with reaction occurrence appearing dose-related.
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16642.2 -
Adverse reactions of dimethyl sulfoxide in humans: a systematic review
In a systematic review of 109 studies, DMSO adverse reactions in humans were most often gastrointestinal and dermatological, mostly transient and mild; occurrence appeared dose-related, and DMSO seemed safe in small doses.
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16642.1 -
Untitled source
This case report discusses a 19-year-old patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who experienced toxicity from topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) used as an antidote for suspected anthracycline extravasation, highlighting the potential adverse effects and the complexities of D…
DOI: 10.1023/a:1020528203296