Background: High magnesium intake has been associated with a decreased risk of dementia. In contrast, other research has found that both low and high serum magnesium levels were associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and mixed dementia.
Another 17-year study that followed more than 1,000 Japanese adults over the age of 60 found that those who consumed more than 200 mg of magnesium per day were 37 percent less likely to develop any type of dementia and 74 percent less likely to develop vascular dementia [3].
Recent findings suggest magnesium may be effective in ameliorating symptoms in an Alzheimer's disease-like pathological progression by reducing Aβ-plaque, thus preventing synapse loss and memory decline in transgenic mice. Common forms include magnesium sulfate.
Now, research out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that magnesium is also absolutely critical for the health of the brain. It can improve short-term and long-term memory and reduce the risk of age-related memory loss.
Researchers in the Netherlands have found a link between levels of magnesium in the blood and the risk of developing dementia. Results from the study, published today in the journal Neurology, indicate that both high and low levels of magnesium may be linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Oral magnesium threonate (MgT) has been the most extensively studied magnesium supplement and may also improve short- and long-term memory performance in healthy and aged rats (Slutsky et al, 2010).
Vitamins B6 and B12 are critical because they team up to form one of the best compounds for slowing down the effects of dementia. There is proof that memory-deteriorating genes can become more active due to a deficiency of these vitamins.
Having low magnesium levels may negatively affect brain health. Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce certain symptoms of brain fog.
"Ask your doctor about tests for magnesium deficiency," he suggests. For people with chronic migraines and low magnesium levels, Dr. Mauskop recommends 400 milligrams of supplemental magnesium daily (in one dose or split into two doses, taken morning and evening).
From a neurological standpoint, magnesium plays an essential role in nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. It also functions in a protective role against excessive excitation that can lead to neuronal cell death (excitotoxicity), and has been implicated in multiple neurological disorders.
Older adults have an increased risk for magnesium deficiency because they tend to consume fewer magnesium-rich foods than younger people. In addition, older adults' bodies may absorb less of the mineral in what they eat, and their kidneys may excrete more of it through their urine.
Low vitamin D levels were linked with an increased risk of both dementia and stroke over the following 11 years. Based on this observational study, people with low vitamin D levels were found to have a 54% greater chance of developing dementia compared with people whose levels were normal.
Although more research is necessary, current evidence seems to indicate that while magnesium will not repair the brain, it may help relieve some of the more severe secondary effects of TBI. Now that you understand how important magnesium is for optimal functioning, let's discuss how to increase your magnesium intake.
Certain vitamins and fatty acids have been said to slow or prevent memory loss. The long list of potential solutions includes vitamins like vitamin B12, herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Getting enough vitamin B12 may give you more energy, improve memory, and make learning new things easier. It also has been shown to help improve mood and lessen depressive symptoms.
Recent findings suggest magnesium may be effective in ameliorating symptoms in an Alzheimer's disease-like pathological progression by reducing Aβ-plaque, thus preventing synapse loss and memory decline in transgenic mice. Common forms include magnesium sulfate.
In the elderly, the importance of an adequate magnesium intake is reiterated as research shows it may preserve cognitive function. Eating a diet rich in magnesium foods can support the daily recommended intake. Another option to consider is food supplements.
RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19-51+ years is 400-420 mg daily for men and 310-320 mg for women.
Evidence from animal studies supports the role of magnesium in cognitive function. For example, a study conducted by Xu et al. (2014) found that magnesium protects cognitive function and synaptic plasticity by inhibiting GSK-3β in a rat model with Alzheimer's disease.
Stay mentally and socially active. Engaging in mental or social activities may help to build up your brain's ability to cope with disease, relieve stress and improve your mood. This means doing these activities may help to delay, or even prevent, dementia from developing.