Cognitive Dysfunction, an Increasingly Valued Long-Term Impairment in Acromegaly

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuropsychology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production, often due to pituitary adenomas.
• Beyond physical manifestations, acromegaly is increasingly recognized for its significant psychosocial and personality alterations.
• Cognitive impairment and neuropsychological issues in acromegaly patients have garnered substantial research interest over the past seven decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on cognitive-behavioral research in acromegaly.
• To elucidate the impact of long-term GH and IGF-1 excess on patients' cognitive behavior.
• To outline the influence of disease progression, treatment, and comorbidities on cognitive function in acromegaly.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating cognitive changes in acromegaly.
• Analysis of various neuropsychological and neurophysiological tests used to assess cognitive function.
• Examination of factors influencing cognitive impairment, including disease status and treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• Acromegaly patients exhibit notable psychosocial and personality changes.
• A variety of cognitive deficits have been identified using diverse assessment tools.
• Disease progression, treatment, and comorbidities are significant factors affecting cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• Long-term exposure to excess GH and IGF-1 profoundly impacts cognitive behavior in acromegaly.
• Multidisciplinary assessment is crucial for managing cognitive dysfunction in acromegaly.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and implications of cognitive impairment in this condition.