Serum Magnesium Level and Clinical Deterioration in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Recent studies suggest that magnesium, which specially affects the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor response to excitatory amino acids, may be a supportive therapeutic agent in Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: To investigate the relationship between magnesium levels and the cognitive test results and clinical stages of the patients. Methods: Thirty-seven patients (20 women, 17 men) and 34 controls were included in the study. The patients were staged according to Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Results: There was a significant difference for Mg levels according to GDS (p = 0.030). Similarly, Mg levels were different between patients with low and high CDR stages (p = 0.003). Mg levels were lower in the group whose MMSE scores were <20 than in those whose MMSE scores were ≧20. A negative correlation was found between Mg levels and GDS and CDR (respectively: r = –0.35, p = 0.033; r = –0.360, p = 0.029). Conclusion: Our data suggest that there is a relationship between serum Mg levels and the degree of Alzheimer’s disease and that the determination of the Mg level at various stages may provide valuable information in further understanding the progression and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alterations in Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress in Uremic Patients with Dementia

“…In addition, higher serum Mg concentration, resulting from increased protein catabolic rate, was observed among uremic patients [41]. Mg status imbalance may affect the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor response to excitatory amino acids and ameliorated dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra [42,43].…”

Alzheimer's Disease: Redox Dysregulation As a Common Denominator for Diverse Pathogenic Mechanisms

“…The role of magnesium (Mg) in neurodegenerative disorders and its effect in AD have also been investigated. Mg appears to be decreased in AD patients in clinical and autopsy studies (15,116).…”

Effect of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles on Atropine-Induced Memory Impairment in Adult Male Mice

“…One of the important activities of magnesium in the brain is its effect on NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, which are ionotropic receptors of glutamate (9,10). In various concentrations, magnesium has different effects on the central nervous system and intellectual and neuronal functions by biochemical and neuronal modulation (11). Previous studies have suggested that the magnesium ion is a positive regulator of synaptic plasticity because it increases the number of pre-synaptic release sites, resulting in increased synaptic transmissions and improvements in learning and memory (11,12).…”

“…In various concentrations, magnesium has different effects on the central nervous system and intellectual and neuronal functions by biochemical and neuronal modulation (11). Previous studies have suggested that the magnesium ion is a positive regulator of synaptic plasticity because it increases the number of pre-synaptic release sites, resulting in increased synaptic transmissions and improvements in learning and memory (11,12). However, magnesium does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier and intravenous injections lead to small increases in the amount of these ions in the cerebrospinal fluid.…”