By Amber Roman
Nov 10, 2024, 12:00 PM EST
A recent study, published in the journal Nutrients, has revealed the possible influence of calcium and magnesium deficiencies on the cognitive decline of hospitalized older adults, a finding that brings new perspectives to the understanding of risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. The research included 1,220 adults over 60 years of age who were hospitalized and evaluated to observe the relationship between their levels of these essential minerals and their cognitive performance.
Magnesium and calcium, both essential minerals for the nervous system, have multiple functions that affect cognitive health. In particular, magnesium plays a role in the production of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a key process in obtaining cellular energy. Magnesium deficiency not only affects this energy production, but also reduces the body’s antioxidant capacity, exposing it to oxidative stress. This type of stress, combined with chronic inflammation, is a common feature of various age-related diseases. Additionally, magnesium participates in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, helping to stabilize neuronal membranes and regulate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are critical for synaptic transmission and general cognitive function.
Calcium, on the other hand, is essential for learning and memory processes, in addition to being a fundamental component in neurotransmission and neuronal excitability. However, magnesium and calcium deficiencies become increasingly common as people age, due to factors such as decreased dietary intake, poor nutrient absorption, and the presence of chronic diseases. Various studies have shown a positive association between adequate intake of these minerals and better cognitive performance in older adults.
To evaluate this relationship, the researchers analyzed serum samples from the participants to determine their calcium and magnesium levels. Based on these analyses, older adults were classified into four groups: those with normal calcium and magnesium levels, those with hypomagnesemia (low magnesium), those with hypocalcemia (low calcium), and those with both deficiencies. Two tests were administered to all of them: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock-Drawing Test (CDT), tools used to evaluate cognitive performance.
The results showed that participants with normal calcium and magnesium levels obtained the highest scores on both cognitive tests, followed by those with hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and finally those with both deficiencies. Older adults with hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia showed significantly lower scores on both tests, suggesting an inverse relationship between these impairments and cognitive performance. By adjusting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities, the researchers confirmed that calcium and magnesium deficiencies are associated with reduced cognitive performance.
The study also found that diseases such as stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease are linked to worse cognitive performance. However, some factors such as hypertension and lipid disorders seemed to be related to better performance on cognitive tests. Researchers suggest that elevated cholesterol levels may protect brain functions by helping to maintain cellular integrity in the brain.
Despite these findings, scientists caution that the MMSE and CDT, due to their limited scoring range, may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle cognitive changes, so additional research employing more comprehensive neuropsychological testing is needed. to further explore the relationship between calcium and magnesium levels and cognitive function.
This study highlights the importance of a balanced diet in older age, particularly in key minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can influence cognitive health and prevent age-related decline. However, although these results reinforce the hypothesis that mineral deficiencies are associated with cognitive decline, it is also recognized that the relationship between magnesium and cognitive performance could be bidirectional: impaired cognitive function could lead to nutritional deficiencies. which in turn aggravate the condition.
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