Dehydrogenase that can use N-acetyl-gamma-aminobutyraldehyde (NAGABald), gamma-guanidinobutyraldehyde (GGBald), betaine aldehyde (Bet-ald), gamma-aminobutyraldehyde (GAB-ald), acetaldehyde, 4-aminobutylaldehyde (AB-ald), 3-aminopropionaldehyde (AP-ald), 4-N-trimethylaminobutyraldehyde (TMAB-ald) and 3-N-trimethylaminopropionaldehyde (TMAP-ald) as substrates. Catalyzes the oxidation of GAB-ald more efficiently than Bet-ald. May convert acetaldehyde into acetate, thus facilitating the production of acetyl-CoA in peroxisomes under anaerobic conditions. betaine aldehyde + H2O + NAD(+) = glycine betaine + 2 H(+) + NADH Optimum pH is 9.5. Amine and polyamine biosynthesis; betaine biosynthesis via choline pathway; betaine from betaine aldehyde: step 1/1. Homodimer. Following submergence treatment, transient decreased levels that recovers after re-aeration. Belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family.