Human brain shrinks as people age. And this leads to dementia. The incidence of this shrinkage is in the rise and it is expected that in the next 30 years, dementia cases would triple. A new research states that magnesium rich foods might offer help in prevention.
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Dementia and brain shrinkage
Dementia is a problem of the central nervous system. It is common in the elderly age group. In this, the person has loss of memory and cognitive decline sets in. Focus and alertness reduces and there might be mood changes too.
Pathologically, these patients have brain shrinkage. There might also be some deposits noticed in their brain tissue.
Brain shrinkage in dementia (Source: Science direct)
Currently there is no cure for this condition. Therefore one needs to focus on prevention of the disease. Early intervention could help. A new study has shown that magnesium rich foods such as nuts and spinach are useful in preventing the brain shrinkage.
The new study on magnesium rich foods and brain shrinking
In this study from the UK, there were 6000 participants. They were given a questionnaire to fill. It contained details of their diet. The survey took place over 16 months.
The researchers found that people who had higher intake of magnesium in their foods had a younger brain. Their brain did not show significant shrinkage. These people had higher intake of foods such as seeds, nuts, wholegrains, green leafy vegetables and legumes. The study first author, Ms Khawlah Alateeq said:
“Our study shows a 41 percent increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, which is associated with better cognitive function and lower risk or delayed onset of dementia in later life.”
Magnesium rich foods (Source: Pinterest)
“This research highlights the potential benefits of a diet high in magnesium and the role it plays in promoting good brain health.”
The study revealed that increasing daily magnesium intake from 350 mg to 550 mg at age 55 led to a one year younger brain. Co-author, Dr Erin Walsh said:
“Since there is no cure for dementia and the development of pharmacological treatments have been unsuccessful for the past 30 years, it’s been suggested that greater attention should be directed towards prevention.”
“Our research could inform the development of public health interventions aimed at promoting healthy brain aging through dietary strategies.”
Magnesium rich foods (Source: Healthify me)
Aging is not preventable. Hence eating healthily could assist in slowing the brain shrinking. This study did not test role of magnesium supplements. It was solely based of diet derived magnesium. These foods are cashews, peanuts, chia seeds, black beans, potatoes, yoghurt, oatmeal, milk and brown rice.
Khawlah stressed on early intervention:
“The study shows higher dietary magnesium intake may contribute to neuroprotection earlier in the aging process and preventative effects may begin in our 40s or even earlier.”
“This means people of all ages should be paying closer attention to their magnesium intake.”
“We also found the neuroprotective effects of more dietary magnesium appears to benefit women more than men and more so in post-menopausal than pre-menopausal women, although this may be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium.”
Magnesium rich foods (Source: Pinterest)
