Magnesium: His unknown role in expression of dementia

Both very high and very low levels of magnesium in the blood are associated with increased chances of developing dementia, according to a new Dutch study published in the Neurology Review of the American Academy of Neurology.

The researchers, headed by Brenda Kiebum from Erasmus University, as the available therapeutic and preventative strategies for dementia are limited, call for new risk factors , especially modifiable , are needed. "If the risk of dementia can be reduced by diet or supplements , this could prove to be particularly beneficial," Kiebeu said.

In their study, researchers measured blood levels of magnesium in 9,569 people, with an average age of 65 years and without diagnosis for dementia. Participants were divided into five groups, depending on the magnesium levels in their body, and were followed for eight years on average. During this time, 823 diagnoses were performed for dementia.

Researchers' analyzes indicated that participants at both ends of the measurements had about 30% increased chances to be diagnosed with dementia during the study.

Normally considered magnesium levels of 0,85 mmol / L mmol to 1,10 / L . In the low magnesium group the measurement was 0.79 mmol / L and below , while in the high magnesium group 0.9 mmol / L and above .

If the above findings are confirmed by future studies, the levels of magnesium in the blood could potentially be used as a predictor of dementia, researchers estimate.