Testosterone improves spatial memory in men with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Cherrier MM - Neurology - 28-JUN-2005; 64(12): 2063-8
From NIH/NLM MEDLINE
NLM Citation ID:
15985573 (PubMed)
Full Source Title:
Neurology
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Author Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA. cherrier@u.washington.edu
Authors:
Cherrier MM; Matsumoto AM; Amory JK; Asthana S; Bremner W; Peskind ER; Raskind MA; Craft S
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of testosterone (T) supplementation on cognition in a sample of men with Alzheimer disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Fifteen patients with AD and 17 patients with MCI aged 63 to 85 years completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nineteen participants received weekly intramuscular (IM) injections of 100 mg T enanthate and 13 participants received weekly injections of placebo (saline) for 6 weeks. Cognitive evaluations using a battery of neuropsychological tests were conducted at baseline, week 3, and week 6 of treatment and again after 6 weeks of washout. RESULTS: Peak serum total T levels were raised from baseline an average of 295% in the active treatment group. Improvements in spatial memory (p < 0.05) and constructional abilities (p < 0.05) and verbal memory were evident in the T group. No changes were noted for selective and divided attention or language. Prostate specific antigen did not significantly change during this brief treatment. CONCLUSION: Testosterone supplementation may benefit selective cognitive functions in men with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Grant ID:
K01AG00858 AG NIA; M01-RR-00037 RR NCRR