Avoiding Dementia, Next Level: The Role of Magnesium

It’s a crucial element, but deficiency is rife

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Magnesium is a mineral usually associated with bones and muscle. Less celebrated is its involvement in brain health, and the consequences of inadequate daily amounts. In previous articles I’ve discussed the role of various nutrients that help retain memory function: zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K et al. Now, here’s another tool to add to your arsenal.

Emerging evidence suggests that increasing your intake of magnesium may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. In men and women aged 40 to 73, this element has been shown to increase brain volume, especially hippocampal volume. The hippocampus is the region most associated with memory.

“Accumulating evidence indicates that dementia-related diseases are associated with low magnesium levels, and dietary magnesium intake can improve cognitive function.”

Your body is quite unforgiving if you fail to supply it with daily magnesium. That’s thanks to the efficiency of your kidneys, that when functioning well ensure that homeostasis is maintained and anything you don’t need is excreted. You won’t store any surplus…