Postmenopausal cognitive changes and androgen levels in the context of apolipoprotein E polymorphism
Iwona Bojar1, Jarosław Pinkas2, Mariusz Gujski3
1Department for Women Health, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.
Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|September 9, 2017
Summary
Postmenopausal women with higher testosterone showed poorer cognitive function, especially with the APOE ε4 gene. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) positively impacted memory, independent of APOE genotype.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Menopause is associated with hormonal shifts, particularly decreased androgens.
- Androgens like testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may influence cognitive function.
- The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) polymorphism is linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between testosterone and DHEA levels and cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.
- To explore the correlation between these androgens and cognitive performance, considering APOE gene polymorphism.
- To understand how hormonal changes post-menopause impact brain processes.
Main Methods:
- 402 postmenopausal women (≥2 years post-menopause, FSH >30 U/ml, no dementia) were assessed.
- Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Central Nervous System Vital Signs test.
- Serum testosterone (TTE), DHEA, and APOE genotyping were analyzed for correlations.
Main Results:
- Higher testosterone levels correlated with lower Neurocognition Index, memory, and psychomotor speed scores.
- The APOE ε4 allele amplified testosterone's negative effect on cognition.
- Elevated DHEA levels were associated with better verbal and visual memory, unaffected by APOE genotype.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal fluctuations after menopause, specifically androgen levels, significantly influence cognitive functions like memory and psychomotor speed.
- Androgens play a role in higher cortical functions during the postmenopausal hormonal transition.
- APOE genotype modifies the impact of testosterone on cognition, but not DHEA.
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