Postmenopausal cognitive changes and androgen levels in the context of apolipoprotein E polymorphism

Abstract

IntroductionThe focus of this study was to assess cognitive functions in relation to androgens and specifically testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women as well as the correlation between cognitive functions and these two androgens according to polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE).Material and methodsA group of 402 women was recruited to the study (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 was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE genotyping was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Testosterone (TTE) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the blood serum were assessed for further statistical correlations analysis.ResultsIn the group of postmenopausal women, higher testosterone concentration was associated 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 ε4 allele potentiated testosterone’s negative influence on cognitive functions (p < 0.05). Woman with a high normal level of DHEA scored significantly better in verbal (p = 0.027) and visual memory (p < 0.001) than other participants. APOE polymorphism did not modify the relationship between DHEA concentration and scores for cognitive functions.ConclusionsHormonal balance variations after menopause may influence brain processes concerned with cognition, especially memory and psychomotor speed. The observed effects may be related to androgens’ influence on higher cortical functions in the changed hormonal dynamics of the postmenopausal period.

Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women

“…In addition, an enhanced negative effect of testosterone on cognition was found in postmenopausal women with at least one APOE ε4 allele [31].…”

“…It was also demonstrated that in post-menopausal women the correlation between CRP level and cognitive functions may be modified by apolipoprotein E genotypes [ 30 ]. In addition, an enhanced negative effect of testosterone on cognition was found in postmenopausal women with at least one APOE ε4 allele [ 31 ].…”

“…Previously, the impact of some of them, i.e. education, health behaviors, serum hormones and CRP protein concentrations, on cognitive functions was analyzed [ 23 , 30 , 31 , 37 ]. The impact of cardiovascular risk factors on cognition was also considered [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Improvement in cognitive impairment following the successful treatment of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome-a case report and literature review

“…Importantly, testosterone therapy improved the physical and emotional well-being as well as sexual function of postmenopausal women [66–68]. Conversely, in the group of postmenopausal women, higher testosterone concentration was associated with lower scores for verbal and visual memory, processing and psychomotor speed, executive functions, complex attention and cognitive flexibility [69].…”

Oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphisms, insomnia, and cognitive functions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in non-manual employment

“…Problems related with cognitive functions, increasing with age, are presented in many studies. Going through the menopause in women is also 2 Arch Med Sci associated with a clear decline in cognitive functioning [1,2]. It is still difficult to state the causes for the deterioration of cognitive functioning in women during this period of life.…”