How calcium and magnesium deficiencies impact cognitive health

Inadequate magnesium and calcium levels may accelerate cognitive decline in older adults, with potential insights into preventing memory loss and supporting brain health through nutrient balance.

Study: The concurrent association of magnesium and calcium deficiencies with cognitive function in older hospitalized adults. Image credits: Shutterstock AI / Shutterstock.com

A recent study published in the journal Nutrients examines the role of calcium and magnesium deficiencies in cognitive decline in hospitalized older adults.

The role of calcium and magnesium in brain function

Cognitive decline is a typical feature in older adults associated with calcium and magnesium deficiencies.

Magnesium deficiency can lead to reduced production of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduced antioxidant capacity, which is necessary to prevent oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are also associated with several age-related diseases.

Within the nervous system, magnesium acts as a positive regulator of synaptic plasticity. Magnesium also stabilizes neuronal cell membranes and modulates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which play a crucial role in synaptic transmission.

Calcium is associated with learning and memory processes and is therefore considered crucial for cognitive functions. It is also essential for neurotransmission and neuronal excitability.

The risk of magnesium and calcium deficiencies increases with age due to reduced dietary intake, reduced absorption and chronic diseases. Several studies have reported that higher dietary intake of calcium and magnesium is associated with better cognitive performance in older adults.

Study design

The study population consisted of 1,220 hospitalized adults aged 60 years and older who were able to communicate verbally with others. Serum samples were analyzed for calcium and magnesium levels.

Based on these assessments, study participants were classified as having normal serum levels of calcium and magnesium, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, or both hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia.

Cognitive performance was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clock-Drawing Test (CDT). The association between serum calcium and magnesium levels and cognitive performance was analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities.

Important observations

The highest cognitive test scores were observed in participants with normal serum calcium and magnesium levels, followed by participants with hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and both hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia. Participants with hypocalcemia or both hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia showed significantly lower scores in both cognitive tests than individuals with normal calcium and magnesium levels or hypomagnesemia.

After adjusting for potential confounders, the analysis revealed inverse associations between calcium and magnesium deficiencies and cognitive test scores. Overall, the presence of stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease was associated with lower cognitive performance, while the presence of hypertension and lipid disorders was associated with better cognitive performance.

Age had a significant negative effect on cognitive performance. In comparison, BMI had a positive association with cognitive performance.

Study meaning

Both hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia are associated with reduced cognitive performance in older adults.

The study participants with dementia, as defined by MMSE scores lower than 24, showed significantly lower serum levels of both calcium and magnesium. Similarly, participants with poor cognitive performance, as determined by CDT scores below five, showed significantly lower calcium levels.

Previous studies of magnesium deficiencies in older populations have shown mixed results. While some studies link high dietary magnesium intake with better cognitive performance, other studies have shown that both low and high magnesium levels are associated with a greater risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

The association between magnesium levels and cognitive performance may be bidirectional. Hypomagnesemia can lead to poorer cognitive performance; however, reduced cognitive function due to nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to lower magnesium levels.

Previous studies have shown a link between hypercalcemia and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, numerous studies have also shown a link between hypocalcemia and poor cognitive performance.

Study participants with hypertension and lipid disorders showed higher cognitive performance. The scientists justify these findings by stating that high levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in older adults may be associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline because these lipids are vital for maintaining cellular function. integrity in the brain.

Two cognitive tests used in the current study have a narrow score range and may not be sensitive to detecting subtle cognitive changes. Thus, future studies should include more extensive neuropsychological evaluations to better investigate the relationship between magnesium and calcium deficiencies and cognitive function.