Abstract
Background. Epidemiological data report that male hypogonadism may play a role in cognitive impairment in elderly. However, the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on cognitive abilities in this cluster of patients has not been well established. Methods. PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched by using free text words and medical subject headings terms related with “male hypogonadism”, “late-onset hypogonadism”, elderly, cognition, “mild cognitive impairment”, memory, “testosterone replacement therapy” used in various combinations according to the specific clinical questions. Original articles, reviews, and randomized controlled trials written in English were selected. Results. A long-term TRT could improve specific cognitive functions, such as verbal and spatial memory, cognitive flexibility, and physical vitality. However, randomized controlled trials do not provide positive results, and in most of the cases TRT might not induce beneficial effects on cognitive function in elderly men. Discussion and conclusions. Since the lengthening of life expectancy, the prevalence rate of cognitive decline in elderly men is expected to increase remarkably over the next decade with considerable healthcare and economical concerns. Therefore, this remains a relevant clinical topic and further investigations are needed for clarifying the role of TRT especially in elderly men with hypogonadism.
Highlights
Epidemiological data report that male hypogonadism may play a role in cognitive impairment in elderly
An aging-related decline in gonadal function has been observed starting from 35 years of age with a more marked decline in the serum concentrations of T after the 7th decade of life [2]. This phenomenon is attributable to several mechanisms, including a Geriatrics 2020, 5, 76; doi:10.3390/geriatrics5040076
The so called “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) is a clinical stage comprised between cognitive aging and a mild dementia and is characterized by a subjective and objective functional decline, which includes memory complaints and abnormal memory for age but without any evidence of decline in cognition, impairment of daily life activities, and dementia [17]
Summary
Since the lengthening of life expectancy, the prevalence rate of cognitive decline in elderly men is expected to increase remarkably over the decade with considerable healthcare and economical concerns.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.