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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
12:18

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

Role of androgens in mild cognitive impairment and possible interventions during andropause

R S Tan1, S J Pu, J W Culberson

  • 1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Medical School and Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center, 6431 Fannin Street, JJL Suite 308, Houston, TX 77030, USA. robert.s.tan@uth.tmc.edu

Medical Hypotheses
|January 20, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in aging males may be linked to andropause. Hormone replacement therapy shows potential for subtle cognitive improvements, warranting further study for Alzheimer's disease prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Andropause, or late-onset hypogonadism, is associated with memory complaints in aging males.
  • Hormones like estrogens and androgens are implicated in neuroprotection and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of androgens in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in aging males.
  • To investigate the potential of hormonal replacement therapy for cognitive enhancement in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Review of basic science, epidemiological, and clinical trial evidence.
  • Analysis of patient-reported memory changes.
  • Consideration of advanced neuroimaging techniques (e.g., PET scans) for detecting functional and vascular changes.

Main Results:

  • Hormonal replacement therapy may lead to subtle improvements in cognitive function, particularly in declarative and procedural memory.
  • Functional and vascular brain changes post-hormone replacement can be detected with advanced imaging.
  • Androgens and selective androgen receptor modulators are hypothesized as future treatments for MCI.

Conclusions:

  • Hormonal factors, particularly androgens, play a significant role in cognitive health in aging males.
  • Further research into androgen-based therapies is warranted for managing MCI and potentially delaying AD onset.

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