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The concurrent association of magnesium and calcium deficiencies with cognitive function in older hospitalized adults
Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) are prevalent conditions among older adults and may play a role in cognitive decline. However, most research has primarily focused on dietary intake rather than actual serum levels of these nutrients and often considers them separately. This study by Kravchenko et al. (2024) investigates how hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and the co-occurrence of both abnormalities affect seniors’ cognitive function. The study comprised hospitalized patients who were 60 years of age or older (n = 1220). Four groups of participants were created: those with normal blood levels of calcium and magnesium, those with hypocalcemia, those with hypomagnesemia, and those with deficits in both calcium and magnesium. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clock-Drawing Test (CDT) were used as outcome measures in the data analysis to assess the possible effects of age, sex, comorbidities, and magnesium and calcium imbalances on cognitive function. The mean MMSE and CDT scores were as follows after controlling for variables including age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities: Those with normal levels of calcium and magnesium had values of 23.33 and 5.56; those with hypomagnesemia had values of 22.59 and 5.16; those with hypocalcemia had values of 19.53 and 4.52; and those with both deficits had values of 21.14 and 4.28. Both magnesium and calcium deficiencies contributed to the variance in MMSE and CDT scores in the general linear models. The study found that, in addition to age, chronic heart failure, and body mass index, deficiencies in calcium and magnesium are linked to worse cognitive performance in older adults. [NPID: Hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, cognitive decline, seniors]
Year: 2024
