A spin-torque based memory device includes a plurality of magnetic storage cells in an array, each magnetic storage cell includes at least one magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element, and at least one bit line and at least one bit complement line corresponding to the plurality of magnetic storage cells. Each respective MTJ element is written by driving a write current in a first or second direction to program the respective MTJ element in a low resistance state or a high resistance state and each respective MTJ element is read by driving a read current through the respective MTJ element in a direction that tends to disturb the respective MTJ element into the high resistance state.