Testosterone and cognitive function: current clinical evidence of a relationship

Background: Testosterone levels decline as men age, as does cognitive function. Whether there is more than a temporal relationship between testosterone and cognitive function is unclear. Chemical castration studies in men with prostate cancer suggest that low serum testosterone may be associated with cognitive dysfunction. Low testosterone levels have also been observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This paper reviews the current clinical evidence of the relationship between serum testosterone levels and cognitive function in older men. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE to identify clinical studies and relevant reviews that evaluated cognitive function and endogenous testosterone levels or the effects of testosterone substitution in older men. Results: Low levels of endogenous testosterone in healthy older men may be associated with poor performance on at least some cognitive tests. The results of randomized, placebo-controlled studies have been mixed, but generally indicate that testosterone substitution may have moderate positive effects on selective cognitive domains (e.g. spatial ability) in older men with and without hypogonadism. Similar results have been found in studies in patients with existing AD or MCI. Conclusions: Low endogenous levels of testosterone may be related to reduced cognitive ability, and testosterone substitution may improve some aspects of cognitive ability. Measurement of serum testosterone should be considered in older men with cognitive dysfunction. For men with both cognitive impairment and low testosterone, testosterone substitution may be considered. Large, long-term studies evaluating the effects of testosterone substitution on cognitive function in older men are warranted.

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Testosterone Therapy for Men With Age-Related Low Testosterone: Tempest in a Teacup

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1815 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 471-471

Author(s):

Shehzad Basaria

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Serum Testosterone ◽

Older Men ◽

Normal Range ◽

Testosterone Levels ◽

Age Related ◽

Calcified Plaque ◽

Testosterone Gel ◽

Physical Dysfunction ◽

Low Testosterone

Abstract Serum testosterone concentrations decrease in men with age, but benefits and risks of raising testosterone levels in older men remain controversial. In the T-Trials, a total of 790 men, age 65 and older, with a serum testosterone concentration of < 275 ng/dL and symptoms of sexual dysfunction, fatigue or physical dysfunction were randomized to either testosterone gel or placebo gel for 1 year. Treatment in the testosterone arm increased serum testosterone levels to the mid-normal range for young men. Testosterone replacement was associated with a significant increase in sexual activity (p<0.001), libido and erectile function. In contrast, there was no improvement in vitality or physical function. Adverse findings included increases in non-calcified plaque formation and a higher rate of prostate events. In sum, testosterone treatment in older men was associated with modest benefits, while the risk on prostate and cardiovascular health remain unclear.

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Study of cognitive functions in major idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

Egyptian Journal of Bronchology ◽

10.1186/s43168-020-00046-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed W. Zakaria ◽

Reem I. El-Korashy ◽

Mostafa O. Shaheen ◽

Samah Selim ◽

Kwashi J. Amum

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Dysfunction ◽

Mini Mental State Examination ◽

Mmse Score ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

Impaired Lung Function ◽

State Examination

Abstract Background Cognitive dysfunction in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is an important clinical co-morbidity that is associated with impaired lung function. The aim of the work is to assess cognitive function in major IIP and to find out the relation between cognitive dysfunction and the oxygenation parameters. Results Fifty individuals were involved in the study; 30 patients with major IIP and 20 healthy individuals. Patients with IIP had significantly lower mini mental state examination (MMSE) score compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Wechsler Deterioration Index (WDI) revealed that 33.3% (n = 10) of the patients with IIP had sure cognitive impairment and 26.6% (n = 8) had ongoing cognitive deterioration. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) had lower cognitive function than other IIP. Conclusion There is an impairment of cognitive function in patients with major IIP, particularly in IPF, as measured by WDI and MMSE. Further large studies are needed to assess the possible predictors of cognitive impairment and their effects on the patients’ outcome.

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Testosterone Treatment and Cognitive Function in Older Men With Low Testosterone and Age-Associated Memory Impairment

JAMA ◽

10.1001/jama.2016.21044 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 317 (7) ◽

pp. 717 ◽

Cited By ~ 93

Author(s):

Susan M. Resnick ◽

Alvin M. Matsumoto ◽

Alisa J. Stephens-Shields ◽

Susan S. Ellenberg ◽

Thomas M. Gill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Memory Impairment ◽

Older Men ◽

Testosterone Treatment ◽

Low Testosterone

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Evaluation of the effects of group psychotherapy on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis with cognitive dysfunction and depression

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20140144 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 73 (2) ◽

pp. 90-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Emine Bilgi ◽

Hasan Hüseyin Özdemir ◽

Ayhan Bingol ◽

Serpil Bulut

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Group Psychotherapy ◽

Cognitive Dysfunction ◽

Beck Depression Inventory ◽

Neuropsychological Tests ◽

Depression Severity ◽

Group Members ◽

Repeatable Battery

Objective This study will evaluate how decreasing depression severity via group psychotherapy affects the cognitive function of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are also diagnosed with depression and cognitive dysfunction. Method MS patients completed the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The group members diagnosed with depression and cognitive dysfunction underwent group psychotherapy for 3 months. Upon completion of psychotherapy, both tests were readministered. Results Depression and cognitive dysfunction were comorbid in 15 (13.9%) of patients. Although improvement was detected at the end of the 3-month group psychotherapy intervention, it was limited to the BDI and the Paced Auditory Test. Conclusion Group psychotherapy might decrease cognitive impairment in MS patients.

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