Associations of Serum Magnesium with Brain Morphology and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities-Neurocognitive Study.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational analysis within a cohort study
PubMed 34960048 · doi:10.3390/nu13124496
What was done
The authors analyzed cross-sectional data from 1,466 participants (mean age 76.2 ± 5.3 years, 28.8% Black, 60.1% female) free of prevalent stroke from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS) who had serum magnesium measurements and brain MRI scans from 2011–2013. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate differences in total brain volume, regional lobe volumes (frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital), deep grey matter, and white matter hyperintensity volume across magnesium quintiles and per standard deviation increase. Multiple logistic regression evaluated associations with cortical, subcortical, and lacunar infarcts, adjusting for demographics, biomarkers, medications, and cardiometabolic risk factors.
What was found
After multivariable adjustment, comparing the highest magnesium quintile (Q5) to the lowest (Q1): - Frontal, temporal, parietal, and total brain volumes were 0.14 to 0.19 standard deviations higher. - Odds of subcortical infarcts were significantly lower (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.77). - Odds of lacunar infarcts were significantly lower (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.71).
Why it matters
This study links higher circulating magnesium levels to greater brain volume and fewer subclinical cerebrovascular infarcts in older adults, highlighting potential pathways for magnesium-associated neuroprotection.
Limits
The study is cross-sectional, precluding causal inference or establishment of temporal sequence. Serum magnesium represents only a small fraction of total body magnesium and may not capture brain tissue levels. Residual confounding from unmeasured health behaviors or dietary factors cannot be excluded.
Cited by
- supports Insufficient magnesium levels are linked to accelerated brain volume loss and earlier onset of dementia.