Dementia is an acquired condition that interferes with cognition, the understanding derived from thought processes. Due to cognitive impairments, a person with dementia may not be able to perform daily activities. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, which the Cleveland Clinic reports is the cause of 50 percent to 70 percent of dementia cases. The risk for dementia increases with age and peaks around 70 years of age. Testosterone also decreases with age and may play a role in the development of dementia.
Signs of Dementia
Memory is the most common cognitive feature impaired by dementia; people affected by it may lose their ability to remember certain words, dates, historical facts or names. Other cognitive impairments include language, judgment and problem-solving abilities. The signs may be progressive or fluctuate in severity from day to day.
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the United States. Other common causes include alcoholism, Parkinson's disease and drug intoxication. There are many infrequent causes of dementia, but the notable ones include HIV, syphilis, tuberculosis and hypothyroidism.
The Effects of Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males. It is responsible for the characteristic features seen in males, such as facial hair, body hair, deep voice and physical endurance. In young males, testosterone also is needed for adequate development of the nervous system. In adult males, it helps maintain the adequate functioning of the nervous system. According to a 2006 "Archives of Neurology" study conducted on testosterone-deficient elderly males with Alzheimer's disease, supplementation of testosterone resulted in improved cognition and a better quality of life.
Testosterone Supplementation
The benefits of testosterone supplementation in elderly males include increased sex drive, increased muscle mass and improved bone strength. According to a 2005 "American Journal of Physiology" study, testosterone supplementation may have negative effects on cardiovascular health by interfering with mechanisms in the kidney that help regulate blood pressure. These negative effects may outweigh the benefits of testosterone supplementation since the risk for cardiovascular disease increases with age.
References
- "Archives of Neurology"; Effects of Testosterone on Cognition and Mood in Male Patients With Mild Alzheimer Disease and Healthy Elderly Men; Po H. Lu, et. al; 2006
- "Americal Journal of Physiology"; Testosterone Supplementation in Aging Men and Women; Jane F. Reckelhoff, et. al; 2005
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Kasper M.D., Braunwald, M.D., and Fauci, M.D.; 2005
- National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
- Cleveland Clinic: Types of Dementia
