Abstract Summary:

• The study investigated the effects of magnesium intake on brain health and the risk of dementia. Researchers at ANU's Neuroimaging and Brain Lab found that higher dietary magnesium from foods such as spinach and nuts is linked to better brain health and may reduce the risk of dementia.

Methods:

• The study involved over 6,000 cognitively healthy participants from the United Kingdom, aged between 40 and 73. Participants completed an online questionnaire five times over 16 months to calculate their daily magnesium intake based on 200 foods with varying portion sizes. To estimate the participants ' magnesium intake, the study focused on magnesium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Findings:

• The research showed that individuals consuming more than 550 milligrams of magnesium daily had a brain age approximately one year younger by the time they reached 55, compared to those with an average intake of about 350 milligrams daily. The study highlighted that a 41% increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, associated with better cognitive function and a lower or delayed risk of dementia. It also emphasized the potential benefits of high magnesium diets in promoting good brain health. Furthermore, the study indicated that the neuroprotective effects of dietary magnesium might be more beneficial for women, especially post-menopausal women, due to magnesium's anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions:

• The researchers concluded that higher magnesium intake from a younger age could protect against neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline when people reach their 40s. This study underscores the importance of magnesium intake for individuals of all ages and highlights its role in preventing dementia and promoting healthy brain aging. The findings suggest that public health interventions should focus on dietary strategies to increase magnesium intake as a preventive measure against cognitive decline and dementia.

Link to study: A higher dose of magnesium daily keeps dementia at bay.