New Study Reveals Optimal Magnesium Levels Could Lower Dementia Risk

In a recent study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, scientists examined whether different measures of magnesium levels, including biomarkers, dietary intake, and supplements, were associated with cognitive health and neurological functioning in adults.

Dementia in older adults significantly contributes to disability, health burdens, and mortality, affecting memory, behavior, and daily activities. With over 55 million people worldwide diagnosed, the prevalence and healthcare costs are expected to rise due to the aging population.

Targeting modifiable risk factors like stress, depression, vascular health, and lifestyle is crucial to reducing dementia's incidence and progression. Electrolytes, particularly magnesium, are vital for neurological health. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to memory impairments and Alzheimer’s disease, though findings from longitudinal studies remain inconsistent.

Magnesium supports neuronal health by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage and preserving the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. It inhibits the activity of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and decreases calcium influx, thereby reducing excitotoxic damage. Additionally, magnesium is crucial for maintaining myelinated axons and the myelin sheaths on neurons.

Studies on animal models have demonstrated that magnesium deficiency is linked to memory impairments associated with hippocampal activity. Additionally, oral magnesium administration has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation.

The present study involves adults over 18 years of age and examines the association between magnesium in the forms of biomarkers, dietary intake or supplements, and cognitive outcomes measured in diagnoses or tests.

The researchers extracted data on magnesium exposure, participant descriptions, association measures, and cognitive outcomes. They detailed the form of magnesium exposure, including the units and assessment methods used in each study. They also used three models to evaluate the association between magnesium exposures and cognitive outcomes.

The study found a U-shaped association between serum magnesium levels and cognitive impairments and dementia. An optimal serum magnesium level of 0.085 millimoles per liter was linked to the lowest dementia risk.

The study found unclear results regarding the impact of different types of magnesium on cognitive health. The review and meta-analysis highlighted a lack of strong evidence linking magnesium exposure to cognitive outcomes. Therefore, more detailed and long-term studies are needed to understand how various sources of magnesium affect cognitive health over time.

Reference: Chen, F., Wang, J., Cheng, Y., Li, R., Wang, Y., Chen, Y., Scott, T., & Tucker, K. L. (2024). Magnesium and Cognitive Health in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Advances in Nutrition, 100272.DOI:10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100272, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831324001066