Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Alzheimer’s disease: the impact of age-related changes in reproductive hormones

Androgens, andropause and neurodegeneration: exploring the link between steroidogenesis, androgens and Alzheimer’s disease

  • Multi-author Review
  • Published:
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract.

The relationship between menopause and cognitive decline has been the subject of intense research since a number of studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in women. In contrast, research into andropause has only recently begun. Furthermore, evidence now suggests that steroidogenesis is not restricted to the gonads and adrenals, and that the brain is capable of producing its own steroid hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Sex hormones have been demonstrated to be of critical importance in the embryonic development of the central nervous system (CNS); however, we are only just beginning to understand the role that these hormones may play in the normal functioning and repair of the adult mammalian CNS. This review will summarize current research into the role of androgens and andropause on cognition and the possible mechanisms of action of androgens, with particular reference to Alzheimer’s disease.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. N. Martins.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bates, K.A., Harvey, A.R., Carruthers, M. et al. Alzheimer’s disease: the impact of age-related changes in reproductive hormones. CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 62, 281–292 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-004-4383-1

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-004-4383-1

Key words.

Navigation