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Steroid hormones and cognitive functioning in aging men: a mini-review.
1Department of Psychology and Department of OB/GYN, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. bsherwin@ego.psych.mcgill.ca
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience : MN
|September 23, 2003
Summary
As men age, testosterone and estradiol levels decline, potentially impacting cognitive functions like memory and language. Estrogen may support memory, while testosterone aids visuospatial skills in older men.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Testosterone (T) production decreases in aging men.
- Estradiol (E2) levels also decline with age due to T aromatization.
- Cognitive impairments, especially in memory and language, occur in some aging men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age-related decline in sex hormones (T and E2) and cognitive function in men.
- To explore the specific roles of estrogen and testosterone in cognitive domains of aging men.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex hormones and cognition in aging men.
- Analysis of studies examining correlations between T, E2 levels, and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests estrogen is important for memory in aging men, similar to women.
- Testosterone appears to support visuospatial abilities in aging men.
Conclusions:
- A potential link exists between declining sex hormones and cognitive changes in aging men.
- Further research is needed to definitively establish the relationship between sex hormones and specific cognitive functions in this population.