The most common form of dementia occurs in people with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological condition. Dementia refers to a set of symptoms within a specific disease, not a disease in itself. Memory loss, impaired judgment or language problems characterize the primary complications of dementia. The mineral magnesium as an adjunct treatment may improve symptoms of dementia but research is ongoing.
Types of Dementia
Progressive diseases such as Alzheimer's, Lewy body or vascular dementia, worsen over time. The exact cause of Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementias is not fully known but abnormal clumps of protein and plaque essentially smother brain cells. Vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia, occurs from protein buildup in the blood vessels in the brain. Dementia may occur secondary in diseases impairing the nerves, such as in the case of Huntington's or Parkinson's disease. It also can be reversible when caused by nutritional deficiencies, infections or medication reactions. Your risk of progressive dementia increases with age and genetics but lifestyle factors such as excess alcohol use, mismanaged medical conditions and smoking also increase dementia risk. Medication treatment aims to minimize symptoms by boosting chemicals in your brain associated with cognitive functions, but no standard treatment exists to prevent dementia onset.
Magnesium and Dementia Link
The majority of magnesium -- approximately 50 percent -- is contained in your bones, with the remaining amount located in tissue cells and organs. Magnesium may serve a greater purpose in cognitive functions. In a review of a 2010 study published in "Alzheimer's Weekly," study subjects taking magnesium supplements over a five-year period showed improved memory. The study was conducted on animals and research is ongoing, however. Similarly, a 2006 review in "Medical Hypotheses" concluded that magnesium supplements paired with the dementia medication memantine was useful in treating cognitive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's and vascular dementias.
Daily Magnesium Intake
Magnesium is an essential mineral needed by your body for more than 300 biochemical functions. Low levels of magnesium may increase your risk of reversible dementia and as you age your body may not absorb the mineral as readily. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, older adults generally have lower dietary intake of magnesium than young adults; older adults also tend to take medications that interact with magnesium causing malabsorption problems. The daily recommended intake of magnesium for adult men is 420 mg and for women, 320 mg.
Sources and Suggestions
The best sources of magnesium are foods but supplements are also available. Nuts such as almonds, cashews and peanuts have 50 to 80 mg of magnesium per serving. Spinach, brown rice, beans, bananas and plain yogurt yield 35 to 75 mg per serving. Eat a well-balanced diet and get regular health check-ups to detect early signs of cognitive problems related to dementia. As always, consult your physician before taking a dietary supplement.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- MayoClinic.com; Dementia; Mayo Clinic Staff; April 16, 2011
- Medical Hypotheses; Magnesium Supplementation in the Treatment of Dementia Patients; S. Ozturk et al; June 2006
- Alzheimers Weekly; Magnesium; Food Gets it to the Brain, Pills Don't; 2010
- Nutritional Magnesium Association; Senior Health; Parkinson's Disease and Magnesium
- Alzheimer's Association: Related Dementias
