Memory is the process by which the information is encoded, stored and later retrieved. The brain areas involved with memory include the hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, cerebral cortex and striatum. Damage or malfunction in any of these brain areas may result in a profound memory loss. But, neuroscientists at Tsinghua University found that the elevation of brain magnesium prevents the memory loss associated with aging. Magnesium is a natural blocker of NMDA receptors, a predominant molecular device for memory function.
Magnesium Supplements
In humans, the most important mechanism by which environment alters behavior is learning and memory. Researchers at MIT and Tsinghua University have found that the magnesium compound, Magnesium-L- threonate, or MgT, could help to prevent memory loss in both young and old rats. MgT works by improving the connections between the neurons of the hippocampus region of brain, associated with memory improvement.
Plasticity
Plasticity is the ability of the connections between two neurons to change in strength. Plasticity allows the brain to change with learning and memorizing facts or skills. At the time of memory formation, the synapses -- connections among brain cells -- undergo physical changes. In the aging brain, the synapses become less plastic and cause forgetfulness. Research conducted by Dr. Inna Slutsky at Tsinghua University found that the increase in brain magnesium increases the number of synapses and enhances brain plasticity.
Receptors
NMDA brain receptor channels are blocked by magnesium ions. The process of memory formation occurs when the magnesium ions are expelled and calcium ions are fluxed inside the NMDA type receptor channel. Professor H. Chahal at the School of Biological sciences, University of Manchester, found that the memory loss in the aging brain is due to the presence of fewer NMDA receptors. Studies also found that the elevation of magnesium in the brain may increase the density of NMDA type receptor channels.
Magnesium Diet
Apart from magnesium supplements, a diet rich in magnesium can also help to enhance your memory. Postdoctoral fellow at Beijing School of Medicine, Dr. Inna Slutsky, has advised people to consume magnesium in the old-fashioned way -- a magnesium-rich diet. Magnesium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, artichokes, figs and bananas.
References
- Pubmed: Enhancement of Learning and Memory by Elevating Brain Magnesium.
- Pubmed: Modulation by magnesium of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in developing human brain
- ScienceDaily.com: Remember Magnesium If You Want to Remember: Synthetic Supplement Improves Memory and Staves Off Age-Related Memory Loss
