Bojar I, et al. – The intent of this study was to inspect the cognitive functions linked with androgens along with testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women. It also explored the association between cognitive functions and these two androgens according to polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). The hormonal balance changes after menopause could affect the brain processes concerned with cognition, memory and psychomotor speed in particular. These could be associated with the androgens’ influence on higher cortical functions in the altered hormonal dynamics of the postmenopausal period.

Methods

• The participants were 402 women (minimum 2 years after the last menstruation, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) more than 30 U/ml and no dementia signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment).
• The computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs test aided in diagnosing the cognitive functions.
• APOE genotyping was carried out via multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• For additional statistical correlations analysis, testosterone (TTE) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the blood serum were evaluated.

Results

• The data revealed a correlation between higher testosterone concentration with lower scores for Neurocognition Index (NCI) (p = 0.028), memory (p = 0.008) and psychomotor speed (p < 0.001).
• Presence of at least one APOE 4 allele potentiated testosterone’s negative impact on cognitive functions (p < 0.05).
• Woman with a high normal level of DHEA scored markedly better in verbal (p = 0.027) and visual memory (p < 0.001) than other participants.
• APOE polymorphism did not alter the link between DHEA concentration and scores for cognitive functions.