Symptoms Reversed With Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in brain cell functioning. A form known as magnesium L-threonate, previously found to be exceptionally good at increasing brain magnesium levels, may be the best supplement for improving brain function. Research published in The Journal of Neuroscience shows that the mineral may effectively treat memory loss and cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists from the Tsinghua University School of Medicine in Beijing made some remarkable discoveries while researching the effects of magnesium L-threonate on the brain. It’s the first study to demonstrate a mechanism for reversing cognitive decline in mice with advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also the first research to show an effective long-term treatment for mice with early stage Alzheimer’s disease.
In mice with early stage Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers showed that supplementation with magnesium-L threonate prevented cognitive impairment and that the effect lasted for at least 16 months.
Mice with advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease showed significant improvements in memory and cognition.
The investigators determined in earlier studies that magnesium L-threonate, a form of magnesium chelated to the compound L-threonate, seems to be the best magnesium supplement for increasing brain levels of this important mineral. Most other forms of magnesium commonly found in supplements do not efficiently cross the blood brain barrier and thus don’t substantially increase levels of magnesium in the brain. Even intravenous magnesium, according to the researchers, is not very effective at getting magnesium into the brain.
Magnesium L-threonate may be the best magnesium supplement for memory loss because it enhances neuronal synapses and reduces beta amyloid plaques in the brain.
The team’s previous research found that not only does magnesium L-threonate effectively cross the blood brain barrier and increase brain magnesium levels, supplementation with this form of magnesium enhances the connections (synapses) between brain neurons in the hippocampus, the region of the brain region where memories are processed. Profound loss of synapses is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and memory impairment. Earlier research also showed that magnesium-L-threonate reversed memory decline in aging rats without Alzheimer’s, indicating it may also be the best magnesium supplement for improving milder forms of memory loss associated with aging.
The latest study in Alzheimer’s mice shows that not only does supplementation with magnesium L-threonate prevent the loss of synapses between neurons, it reduces beta amyloid plaques and prevents memory decline. Strikingly, magnesium L-threonate treatment was effective even when given to the mice at the end stage of their Alzheimer’s progression.
In large observational studies, higher intakes of magnesium in the diet reduce the risk for all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Studies also show that blood levels of magnesium are significantly lower in people with Alzheimer’s disease than on average.
The great majority of adults fail to obtain adequate magnesium from their diets. Failing to eat enough magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables can lead to low magnesium levels in the brain and result in memory problems or even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Even in those who do get adequate magnesium, increasing brain levels through supplementation may enhance memory and prevent cognitive decline.
Whether magnesium L-threonate is truly the best magnesium supplement for memory loss and other brain-related issues remains to be seen. Human studies are underway. Increasing brain magnesium levels is only one of many potential natural treatments for memory issues and Alzheimer’s disease (as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
