Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cognitive function in the elderly: The InCHIANTI Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels naturally decrease with aging.
• This decline is potentially linked to age-related physiological impairments, including cognitive dysfunction.
• Existing research on the DHEAS-cognition relationship in older adults is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between DHEAS levels and the presence and progression of cognitive decline.
• To examine the relationship between baseline DHEAS and cognitive function measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 3-year period in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 755 participants (aged >=65 years) in the InCHIANTI Study with baseline and 3-year follow-up MMSE scores and DHEAS levels.
• Statistical modeling (backward selection) was used to identify independent factors associated with MMSE and DHEAS.
• Analysis focused on participants with a baseline MMSE score of 21 or higher.

Main Results:

• Significant age-related declines in both DHEAS levels and MMSE scores were observed over the 3-year follow-up.
• Baseline DHEAS levels showed a significant positive association with MMSE scores, independent of age and other confounders.
• Lower baseline DHEAS levels were predictive of a greater decline in MMSE scores over time.

Conclusions:

• A significant positive association exists between DHEAS levels and cognitive function as assessed by the MMSE.
• Low DHEAS levels emerge as a predictor of accelerated cognitive decline in older men and women.
• These findings underscore the potential role of DHEAS in maintaining cognitive health during aging.