Neuroprotective effects of magnesium: implications for neuroinflammation and cognitive decline

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024 Sep 25:15:1406455. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1406455. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline, are a significant concern for the aging population. Neuroinflammation, a shared characteristic of these diseases, is implicated in their pathogenesis. This article briefly summarizes the role of magnesium, an essential mineral involved in numerous enzymatic reactions and critical for neuronal bioactivity, in the context of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. The potential neuroprotective effects of magnesium, including the mechanisms of neuroprotection by magnesium through maintaining neuronal ion homeostasis, reducing inflammation, and preventing excitotoxicity, are also described. Additionally, we discuss the impact of inadequate magnesium on neuroinflammation and its potential as a therapeutic agent for attenuating cognitive decline to improve neurodegenerative conditions.

Keywords: cognitive decline; magnesium; neurodegenerative disease; neuroinflammation; neuroprotection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / drug therapy
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Magnesium* / metabolism
  • Magnesium* / therapeutic use
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / prevention & control
  • Neuroinflammatory Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Neuroprotective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Magnesium
  • Neuroprotective Agents

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.