AsianScientist (Jun. 16, 2011) – A Monash University study has found that a testosterone spray could help slow cognitive decline and reduce dementia in women.
According to team leader Dr. Sonia Davison from Monash University’s Women’s Health program, a woman’s testosterone levels decrease as she ages, reaching a trough at age 65. The incidence of dementia in women also starts to starts to climb at this age.
“Compared to men, women have far less testosterone and double the rate of dementia, hence the thought that maybe testosterone protects memory,” Davidson said. “This study investigated whether restoring women to their youthful testosterone levels would improve memory, as finding a way to reduce the onset of dementia could impact the lives of countless women worldwide.”
39 women participated in the study. The control group consisted of 30 women who received no treatment, while nine women in early menopause (ages 47 to 60) who received the testosterone spray on their skin. The spray dose returned testosterone levels to those typical of young women of childbearing age.
After 26 weeks the testosterone-treated group had significantly improved their verbal learning and memory, while the control group showed no significant change.
An abstract from Davison’s study was presented today as part of The Endocrine Society’s 93rd Annual Meeting in Boston, USA.
“What is exciting is that the testosterone-treated women were all healthy, with no cognitive impairment, and there was still a definite treatment effect from the spray,” Davison said.
Davison is now recruiting larger numbers of women aged 55-70 to participate in follow-up studies that will trial a testosterone gel and a testosterone patch.
Women in Australia who are interested in participating should contact Monash University’s Women’s Health Program on 03 9903 0827.
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Source: Monash University.
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