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Cognitive deficits in long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid users
Gen Kanayama1, Joseph Kean, James I Hudson
1Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|December 21, 2012
Summary
High-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use may impair visuospatial memory. Long-term AAS users showed poorer performance on memory tasks compared to nonusers, with dose-dependent effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used for muscle gain and athletic enhancement.
- In vitro studies suggest supraphysiologic AAS doses induce neuronal apoptosis.
- This raises concerns about potential cognitive deficits in high-dose AAS users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use on cognitive function in male weightlifters.
- To determine if AAS exposure is associated with specific cognitive deficits, particularly in visuospatial memory.
Main Methods:
- Administered five computerized cognitive tests (CANTAB battery) to 31 male AAS users and 13 non-AAS-using weightlifters.
- Cognitive tests included measures of memory, attention, and processing speed.
- Participant testers were blinded to AAS status.
Main Results:
- Long-term AAS users exhibited significantly poorer visuospatial memory compared to nonusers.
- Performance on Pattern Recognition Memory was almost one standard deviation lower in AAS users.
- Visuospatial performance correlated negatively with total lifetime AAS dose, indicating a dose-dependent effect.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest long-term, high-dose AAS exposure may lead to cognitive impairments.
- Visuospatial memory deficits are a notable concern in individuals using AAS for extended periods.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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