Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in nursing home men

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gerontology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a crucial steroid hormone.
• Low DHEAS levels in adults are associated with increased mortality.
• DHEAS precursor (dehydroepiandrosterone) shows potential health benefits in rodents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare plasma DHEAS levels in community-dwelling elderly men and nursing home residents.
• To investigate the relationship between DHEAS levels, age, cognitive status, and functional dependence in elderly men.

Main Methods:

• Plasma DHEAS concentrations were measured in two groups of elderly men: 50 community-dwelling (age 55-94) and 61 nursing home residents (age 57-104).
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare DHEAS levels between groups and to assess correlations with age, cognitive impairment, functional status, and mortality.

Main Results:

• Nursing home residents had significantly lower mean plasma DHEAS levels than community men.
• Subnormal DHEAS (<30 µg/dL) was observed in 40% of nursing home residents versus 6% of community men.
• DHEAS levels were inversely correlated with age in both groups. In nursing home residents, DHEAS also correlated inversely with organic brain syndrome and dependence in daily activities, particularly in those requiring total care.

Conclusions:

• Elderly men residing in nursing homes exhibit lower plasma DHEAS levels compared to community-dwelling men.
• Subnormal DHEAS is prevalent in institutionalized elderly men and is associated with aging, cognitive decline, and functional dependency.
• Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these findings for health and aging.