Magnesium Levels Factor in Alzheimer's Disease

PALERMO, Italy Serum ionized magnesium levels are altered in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers disease, and these levels directly relate to cognitive function in these patients. Researchers from University of Palermo published their findings in a recent issue of Magnesium Research (2011;24(3):115-21).

In 101 elderly Alzhiemer's disease (AD)patients (mean age 73.4 years) with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, the researchers looked at blood levels of serum total magnesium (Mg-tot) and serum ionized magnesium (Mg-ion), in addition to performing cognitive and function tests. The AD patients had significantly lower scores for the MMSE (mini mental state examination)and the physical function tests. Further, the blood tests revealed Mg-ion was significantly lower in the AD group as compared to a group of age-matched control adults without AD. However, researchers found no significant differences in Mg-tot between the two groups . For all subjects, Mg-ion levels were significantly and directly related only to cognitive function, while no significant correlations were found in the patients between magnesium, and ADL (active daily living)or IADL (instrumental activities of daily living).