Cortisol awakening response and spatial working memory in man: a U-shaped relationship
Andrew S Moriarty1, Andrew J Bradley, Kirstie N Anderson
1Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Academic Psychiatry, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Human Psychopharmacology
|June 10, 2014
Summary
Cortisol awakening response (CAR) shows an inverted U-shaped link with spatial working memory (SWM) performance in healthy males. This suggests optimal HPA-axis function is crucial for cognitive abilities, with implications for psychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis and its relation to cognition is extensively studied.
- An inverted U-shaped association between HPA-axis function and neuropsychological performance is documented in humans and animals.
- Glucocorticoid receptor research highlights effects on spatial working memory (SWM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and cognitive functions.
- To examine cognitive functions susceptible to HPA-axis manipulation.
- To explore implications for treating cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 19 healthy male volunteers.
- Assessed cortisol awakening response (CAR).
- Evaluated performance in a spatial working memory (SWM) task.
Main Results:
- A significant quadratic relationship was found between CAR and SWM error rate.
- The observed relationship explained 63% of the variance (R(2)=0.63, p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Novel evidence supports an inverted U-shaped relationship between corticosteroid levels and cognitive function in humans.
- This finding has potential implications for understanding and treating cognitive deficits in psychiatric conditions.
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