What Was That I Read About Magnesium For Memory?
Richard Maurer, ND

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently concluded that magnesium deficiency within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might have detrimental effects on memory function. Although the research was an in vitro study on “synaptic plasticity”, the findings may well be clinically relevant. The term “synaptic plasticity” refers to the variability of the strength of a signal transmitted through a synapse, a function integral to both memory and learning.

By adjusting calcium flux, the researchers painstakingly assessed changes in plasticity of individual synapses. No long-term changes were elicited with “simple” decrease of calcium flux, making the researchers speculate a more complex role for calcium flux neural activity. Subsequently, the study turns toward adjusting the pattern of Calcium flux through manipulation of magnesium concentrations. First, by increasing the magnesium content from 0.8 up to 1.2 mM (1.0-1.2 mM is the normal range for CSF Mg), there was a 3.9-fold increase in total presynaptic strength. When Mg was then reduced back to 0.8 mM, synaptic strength remained enhanced for 2 days before reverting to prior levels. Second, when the hippocampal neurons used in this study were cultured in higher magnesium environments, their synaptic activity remained increased permanently.

This study shows a rigorous scientific method, involving well-measured increases in neuronal activity by making conservative adjustments in magnesium concentration. It is not hard to see how the researchers extended the ramifications of their findings to include the comment, “Since it is estimated that the majority of American adults consume less than the estimated average requirement of magnesium (Institute of Medicine 1997) it is possible that such a deficit may have detrimental effects on synaptic plasticity resulting in declines in memory function.”

Considering the health care needs of the aging American population, conditions such as “decline in memory” and related dementia will gain more attention. Magnesium appears to join a list of other nutritional therapies; including Omega-3 fish oils and Ginkgo biloba extract Egb-761, all displaying recent well-designed research on the condition of memory and cognitive function.

Slutsky I, Sadeghpour S, Li B, Liu, G, “Enhancement of Synaptic Plasticity through Chronically Reduced Ca++ Flux during Uncorrelated Activity.” Neuron, Vol 44, 835-849, December 2004