Cortisol and dehydroepiandosterone sulfate plasma levels and their relationship to aging, cognitive function, and dementia.
We have studied the relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol, and cognitive function in a population of demented patients (n=29), age-matched controls (n=46), and younger subjects (n=11). All were submitted to morning collection of blood for determination of plasma cortisol and DHEAS measured by 125I radioimmunoassay. DHEAS levels and cortisol/DHEAS ratios were significantly different among groups with higher DHEAS levels and lower cortisol/DHEAS ratios in younger people (Bonferroni p<.05). Cortisol levels were associated to the presence of dementia (Odds ratio=.93; 95% CI,.86-1.01). There was no difference between DHEAS levels of demented and age-matched controls; however, demented patients showed a trend for higher cortisol/DHEAS ratios than age-matched controls and the latter showed higher ratio values than younger subjects. DHEAS and cortisol plasma values were significantly correlated in all individuals (p<.01). In this study cortisol was independently associated to the presence of dementia.
de Bruin
V M S
VM
Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. debruin@ivia.com.br
Vieira
M C M
MC
Rocha
M N M
MN
Viana
G S B
GS
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D006854:Hydrocortisone