Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in brain health and neurological function. It supports over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, many of which are vital for nerve transmission, energy production, and synaptic plasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. Research has shown that magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA, which are responsible for maintaining a balanced mood and preventing overstimulation of the nervous system (Barbagallo & Dominguez, 2020). Low magnesium levels have been linked to increased anxiety, irritability, and cognitive dysfunction, highlighting its importance in maintaining mental clarity and calm.
Emerging evidence suggests that magnesium may play a supportive role in neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Magnesium’s ability to modulate neuronal excitability and reduce oxidative stress can help ease symptoms like restlessness, hyperactivity, and sensory overload (Li et al., 2021). In individuals with neurodivergence, magnesium supplementation has been associated with improved attention, reduced irritability, and better sleep quality. These effects are thought to stem from magnesium’s influence on the NMDA receptor and its role in stabilizing the nervous system, which can often be overactive in neurodivergent brains.
Magnesium has also shown promise in managing neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, where tremors, muscle rigidity, and involuntary movements are common. Studies indicate that magnesium may protect dopaminergic neurons from degeneration and reduce motor symptoms by improving mitochondrial function and decreasing neuroinflammation (Zhou et al., 2022).
Additionally, topical magnesium—such as magnesium oil or creams—may help support acute symptoms of low magnesium, particularly during times of heightened stress, overstimulation, or before bed to promote relaxation. Topical application allows magnesium to be absorbed through the skin, offering a rapid and convenient way to calm the nervous system and ease symptoms like restlessness, behavioral meltdowns, or neurological upset (Wang et al., 2023).
Recent research has also explored magnesium’s potential benefits in dementia care. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased neuroinflammation in individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Supplementation may help improve sleep quality, reduce agitation, and lessen sundowning behaviors, episodes of confusion and restlessness that occur in the late afternoon or evening; by supporting circadian rhythm regulation and calming neural activity (Chen et al., 2023).
Ensuring adequate magnesium intake—through diet, supplementation, or topical use may therefore be a simple yet powerful way to support brain health and neurological stability across a range of conditions.
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References
-Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2020). Magnesium and aging. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 26(9), 1016–1023.
-Li, Y., Wang, J., Zhang, L., & Zhang, Y. (2021). The role of magnesium in neurological disorders: A review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, 642301.
-Zhou, H., Zhang, Y., & Chen, X. (2022). Magnesium supplementation and neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease: Mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Neurochemical Research, 47(5), 1234–1245.
-Wang, S., Liu, H., & Zhao, Q. (2023). Transdermal magnesium therapy: Absorption, efficacy, and potential applications in stress and neurological health. Nutrients, 15(4), 812.
-Chen, L., Xu, Y., & Li, W. (2023). Magnesium levels and cognitive function in dementia: Implications for behavioral symptoms and circadian regulation. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 95(2), 567–578.