Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation for cognitive function in healthy elderly people

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) are theoretically considered for retarding age-associated cognitive decline.
• This review examines existing studies on DHEA/S effects on cognition in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if DHEA or DHEAS administration enhances cognitive function in normal older adults.
• To assess if DHEA/S reduces the rate of cognitive decline in this population.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL) up to October 2005.
• Inclusion of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA/S in individuals over 50 without dementia, with treatment duration exceeding one day.
• Independent data extraction by two reviewers; no data pooling due to statistical limitations.

Main Results:

• Three studies provided adequate parallel-group data.
• One study showed DHEA prevented deterioration in selective attention after stress, but impaired visual memory recall.
• Other studies found no significant cognitive effects of DHEA supplementation, with generally good tolerability.

Conclusions:

• Limited controlled trial evidence does not support DHEA supplementation for improving cognitive function in non-demented middle-aged or elderly individuals.
• No consistent adverse effects were observed.
• Further high-quality, long-term trials with larger sample sizes are needed due to public interest and theoretical neuroprotective possibilities.