Magnesium May Reverse Memory Decline in Alzheimer Mice, Study Shows

Increasing brain magnesium levels reversed memory decline in mice with advanced-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to researchers in China. This is the first study to show a mechanism for reversing cognitive decline and improving memory and cognition in advanced-AD mice, said the scientists from the Center for Learning and Memory at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The study was recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

The magnesium used in the study is a magnesium L-threonate ingredient, Magtein, owned by supplements brand Magceutics Inc. and distributed exclusively by ingredients firm AIDP Inc. (City of Industry, CA).

Previous studies have shown that higher levels of brain magnesium can selectively reduce background calcium signaling in the memory-controlling hippocampus-and, as a result, enhance synaptic plasticity and density, says AIDP. This new study now provides more insight on the mechanism by which higher magnesium levels may prevent neurodegeneration. According to an AIDP press release:

To explore the protective mechanism, [the researchers] investigated major signaling pathways critical for synapse function and memory formation. They found that elevated [amyloid beta] leads to widespread activation of calcium-dependent signaling molecules that contribute to neuronal degeneration. Magtein can prevent this type of degeneration by reducing the non-specific calcium activation.

“Instead of continued stimulation of the neural cells, as most of the drugs do, Magtein lets the cell rest by preventing the non-specific activation, attempting to reverse the aging brain to its youthful condition,” said Jennifer Gu, PhD, AIDP’s vice president, in the press release.

According to AIDP, Magceutics, together with Stanford University, plans to start a clinical trial later this year on whether Magtein can reverse memory decline in humans with AD.