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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Increases in luteinizing hormone are associated with declines in cognitive performance
Gemma Casadesus1, Erin L Milliken, Kate M Webber
1Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|March 23, 2007
Summary
Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) may contribute to post-menopausal cognitive decline. Overexpression of LH in mice impaired cognitive performance, suggesting LH modulation as a potential therapeutic target for dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- Estrogen therapy is explored for post-menopausal cognitive decline.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels increase after menopause.
- The role of elevated LH in cognitive function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) on cognitive performance.
- To determine if LH or its receptor signaling is responsible for menopause-associated cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two mouse models: Tg-LHbeta (overexpressing LH) and LHRKO (silenced LH receptors).
- Assessed hippocampal-associated cognitive function using the Y-maze task.
- Compared performance of transgenic mice to age-matched wild-type controls.
Main Results:
- Tg-LHbeta mice exhibited significantly reduced Y-maze performance compared to controls.
- LHRKO mice did not show significant cognitive deficits.
- Findings suggest LH, with functional receptors, impacts cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Increased luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, when receptors are functional, may contribute to post-menopausal cognitive decline.
- Targeting LH or its receptors could be a therapeutic strategy for age-related cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
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