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]
References
- ^Rosnick CB, Wetherell JL, White KS, Andreescu C, Dixon D, Lenze EJCognitive-behavioral therapy augmentation of SSRI reduces cortisol levels in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial.J Consult Clin Psychol.(2016-Apr)
- ^Len De Nys, Esther F Ofosu, Gemma C Ryde, Jenni Connelly, Anna C WhittakerPhysical Activity Influences Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (Sulfate) Levels in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisJ Aging Phys Act.(2022 Aug 17)
- ^E E Baulieu, P RobelDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) as neuroactive neurosteroidsProc Natl Acad Sci U S A.(1998 Apr 14)
- ^Paul Merritt, Bethany Stangl, Elliot Hirshman, Joseph VerbalisAdministration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases serum levels of androgens and estrogens but does not enhance short-term memory in post-menopausal womenBrain Res.(2012 Nov 5)
- ^Grimley Evans J, Malouf R, Huppert F, van Niekerk JKDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation for cognitive function in healthy elderly people.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2006-Oct-18)