As the body ages, in addition to DHEA levels decreasing, the catabolic (i.e., breakdown-causing) hormone cortisol generally increases, which can negatively affect cognition.[1] Fortunately, regular exercise seems to increase DHEA-S levels and decrease cortisol levels in adults 65 and older.[2]
Despite DHEA decreasing with age, cortisol increasing with age, and DHEA levels being higher in the central nervous system (suggesting a higher need for DHEA in the brain),[3][4] DHEA supplementation does not appear to benefit cognitive function in adults over 50.[5][4]