Magnesium is a multi-purpose mineral with important roles in the brain.

Magnesium L-threonate, (a proprietary form of magnesium) found to be exceptionally good at increasing brain magnesium levels, may be the best magnesium supplement for improving brain function. Magnesium is a multi-purpose mineral with important roles in the brain, and research published in The Journal of Neuroscience shows it may effectively treat memory loss and cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s.

Scientists from the Tsinghua University School of Medicine in Beijing, China made some remarkable discoveries while researching the effects of magnesium L-threonate on the brain. Theirs is the first study to demonstrate a mechanism for reversing cognitive decline in mice with advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease, and is also the first to show an effective long-term treatment for mice with early stage Alzheimer’s.

In mice with early stage Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers showed that supplementation with magnesium-L threonate prevented cognitive impairment and that the effect lasted for at least 16 months. Even more remarkably, mice with advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease showed significant improvements in memory and cognition.[1]

Crosses the blood brain barrier!
Magnesium L-threonate seems to be the best magnesium supplement to increase brain levels of this important mineral. Most other forms of magnesium commonly found in supplements do not efficiently cross the blood brain barrier and thus don’t substantially increase levels of magnesium in the brain. Even intravenous magnesium, according to the researchers, is not very effective at getting magnesium into the brain.

Magnesium L-threonate is the best form of magnesium for memory loss - it enhances neuronal synapses and reduces beta amyloid plaques in the brain
Not only does magnesium L-threonate effectively cross the blood brain barrier and increase brain magnesium levels, supplementation with this form of magnesium enhances the connections (synapses) between brain neurons in the hippocampus, the region of the brain region where memories are processed. Profound loss of synapses is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and memory impairment. Earlier research also showed that magnesium L-threonate reversed memory decline in aging rats without Alzheimer’s, indicating it may also be the best magnesium supplement for improving milder forms of memory loss associated with aging.

The latest study in Alzheimer’s mice shows that not only does supplementation with magnesium L-threonate prevent the loss of synapses between neurons, it reduces beta amyloid plaques and prevents memory decline. Strikingly, magnesium L-threonate treatment was effective even when given to the mice at the end stage of their Alzheimer’s progression.

Higher intakes of magnesium in the diet have been shown to reduce the risk for all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s dementia.[2] Studies also show that blood levels of magnesium are significantly lower people with Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without it.[3]

The great majority of U.S. adults fail to obtain adequate magnesium from their diets. Failing to eat enough magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables can lead to low magnesium levels in the brain and result in memory problems or even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Even in those who do get adequate magnesium, increasing brain levels through supplementation may enhance memory and prevent cognitive decline.

This is a safe form of magnesium to use and without potential side effects of loose stools that can happen when other forms of magnesium are taken in high doses. The recommended dose is two grams per day, one gram (1000 mg) in the afternoon and another gram in the evening.

Besides memory loss and Alzheimers, it is also recommended for Parkinson’s, Migaines, Dementia, ADHA and possibly Seizures.

1] J Neurosci. 2013 May 8;33(19):8423-41.
[2] J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012 Aug;60(8):1515-20.
[3] Magnes Res. 2011 Sep;24(3):S115-21.