Unique Magnesium Found to Reverse Brain Aging

Shafique Nadeem • November 1, 2022

Article provided by Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP complements of Functional Medicine University.

In a peer reviewed human study, a magnesium compound has been shown to reverse markers of brain aging by as much as 14 years!


This finding by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers shows that the unique magnesium-L-threonate concentrates in the brain to rebuild neuronal connections and youthful brain plasticity.


Scientists have shown that magnesium plays an essential role in supporting brain plasticity.

Brain plasticity is the sign of a youthful, flexible brain primed for optimal learning, memory, and cognitive function in a rat animal model.


A medical study showed raising brain magnesium levels has been proven to restore important brain plasticity thereby leading to improved cognitive function.


Scientists at MIT developed and tested a special compound called magnesium-L-threonate and found it boosted brain magnesium levels by an approximately 15%.


These scientists found a novel way of overcoming the problem of getting magnesium loaded into the brain due to poor absorption via using magnesium-L-threonate.


Compared to other various forms of magnesium, they found that magnesium-L-threonate had the highest brain magnesium-loading ability and has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier readily and coincide with improvements in cognitive function.


In conclusion, studies show that magnesium-L-threonate improves brain plasticity, leading to significant improvements in memory, learning, and control of emotions.


The information on this site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.


We offer whole-person functional and integrative care at The Healing Collective. Contact us to schedule a free consult or to become a new patient at our clinic in Niwot, CO.


Learn more about our functional medicine providers here.

When Midlife Feels Harder Than It Should: ADHD, Women & Perimenopause

By Raechel Koob • September 24, 2026
Researchers are still learning exactly how reproductive hormones affect ADHD, and we don't yet have enough menopause-specific clinical research to draw definitive conclusions. However, emerging evidence suggests that hormonal transitions can influence ADHD symptoms in women.

Meditation: Why This Simple Practice Can Have a Powerful Impact on Your Health

By Raechel Koob • September 16, 2026
In a world constantly asking for our attention, intentionally choosing where we place that attention may be one of the simplest ways we can begin caring for our nervous system and overall well-being.

Why Strength Matters More as We Age

By Raechel Koob • September 3, 2026
When we think about healthy aging, we often think about heart health, cholesterol, blood pressure, or maintaining a healthy weight. But there is another piece of the longevity puzzle that deserves just as much attention: muscle.

Is Your Nervous System Stuck in Fight-or-Flight?

By Raechel Koob • August 28, 2026
We often think of stress as something happening in our minds, worrying about work, feeling overwhelmed, juggling too many responsibilities, or going through a difficult season of life. But stress isn't only mental. Your body responds to stress too, and when that response continues for weeks, months, or even years, it

Build a Better Breakfast: Why Your First Meal Sets the Tone for Your Entire Day

By Raechel Koob • August 6, 2026
You've probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While that isn't necessarily true for everyone, what you choose to eat when you break your fast can have a significant impact on your energy, focus, cravings, mood, and blood sugar throughout the day.

Your Guide To Eating At The Farmer's Market This Summer

By Raechel Koob • July 16, 2026
Fresh from the Farmers Market: What to Eat This July

How Wildfire Smoke & Poor Air Quality Affect Your Health (And What You Can Do About It)

By Tracy Shulsinger • July 10, 2026
Wildfire smoke and poor air quality can cause fatigue, brain fog, headaches, inflammation, and more—not just breathing problems. Learn how smoke affects the body and discover practical, evidence-informed ways to support your health, including hydration, nutrition, antioxidants, and functional medicine approaches.

Electrolytes: Why They Matter More Than You Think

By Raechel Koob • June 29, 2026
Have you ever experienced fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, brain fog, dizziness, or difficulty staying hydrated—even though you're drinking plenty of water? Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a vital role in hydration, nerve signaling, muscle function, energy production, and overall health. Unfortunately,

The Gut-Brain Connection

By Raechel Koob • June 17, 2026
Have you ever noticed that stress affects your stomach—or that digestive issues seem worse during periods of anxiety? That's because your gut and brain are constantly communicating. In fact, scientists often refer to the gut as the body's "second brain" because of the intricate relationship between the digestive system

Low Libido: A Functional Medicine Approach to Understanding and Supporting Desire

By Raechel Koob • May 20, 2026
Low libido is far more common than many people realize, yet it is often treated as something people simply have to “live with” as they age, experience stress, or go through hormonal changes.