Numerous
animal studies have shown that the adrenal hormone DHEA and its
sulfate form, DHEA-S, protect the brain from neuronal damage and
enhance memory function.1-3 In
humans, low DHEA-S correlates with the
presence of organic brain syndrome in
elderly men, and with Alzheimer's disease
in both men and women.4-5 Although
a recent study found that DHEA replacement
did not influence cognitive performance
in a group of healthy elderly individuals,6 this
may be because DHEA-S affects brain function
through its balancing effect on the adrenal
hormone cortisol.
Cortisol
is released in response to stress, and oversecretion of this powerful
hormone can impair memory function, even in healthy adults.7 For
this reason, researchers believe
that changes in cortisol responses
caused by acute or chronic stress
could be a contributing factor underlying
the loss of memory associated with
aging.8 Patients
with chronically high levels of cortisol
show accelerated degeneration of
the hippocampus, a region of the
brain for proper cognitive function
and emotional well-being.9
DHEA-S,
on the other hand, because it functions as an anti-glucocorticoid,
can block some of the effects of cortisol in the processes that
mediate learning and memory.10
The Adrenocortex
Stress Profile provides a complete 24-hour circadian
analysis of cortisol and an assay of DHEA-S, revealing imbalances
of adrenal hormones that could be playing an important role in preserving
the integrity of memory function.
References:
1 Flood JF, Roberts E. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate improves memory
in aging mice. Brain Res 1988 448(1):178-181.
2 Melchior CL, Ritzmann RF. Neurosteroids block the memory-impairing
effects of ethanol in mice.
3 Roberts, E, Bologa L, Flood JF, Smith GE. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone
and its sulfate on brain tissue in culture and on memory in mice.
Brain Res 1987 406(1-2):357-362.
4 Rudman D, Shetty KR, Mattson DE. Plasma dehydropepiandrosterone
sulfate in nursing home men. J Am Geriatr Soc 1990;38(4):421-427.
5 Nasman B, Olsson T, Backstron T, Eriksson S, Grankvist K, Viitanen
M, Bucht G. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in Alzheimer's
disease and in multi-infarct dementia. Biol Psychiatry 1991;30(7):684-690.
6 Wolf OT, Neumann O, Hellhammer DH, Geiben AC, Strasburger CJ,
Dressendorfer RA, et. al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997;82(7):2363-2367.
7 Kirschbaum C, Wolf OT, May M, Wippich W, Hellhammer DH. Stress-
and treatment-induced elevations of cortisol levels associated with
impaired declarative memory in healthy adults. Life Sci 1996;58(17):1475-1483.
8 Lupien SJ, Gaudreau S, Tchiteya BM, Maheu F, Sharma S, Naier NP,
et. al. Stress-induced declarative memory impairment in healthy
elderly subjects: relationship to cortisol reactivity. J Clin Endocrinol
Metab 1997;82(7):2070-5.
9 Sapolsky RM. Why stress is bad for your brain. Science 1996;273:749-750.
10 Fleshner M, Pugh CR, Tremblay D, Rudy JW. DHEA-S selectively
impairs contextual-fear conditioning: support for the antiglucocorticoid
hypothesis. Behav Neurosci 1997;111(3):512-517.
Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification
and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or (818)
707-3126.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice
for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is
so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach.
Remember that the body can heal itself if given the
proper nutrients.
The information herein is not intended as diagnosis,
treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition
please seek the advice of your medical doctor. |
