The effects of estrogen on short-term memory in genetic men.
BACKGROUND
The subject of estrogen in regard to short-term memory is controversial. There is support in the medical literature for estrogen improving short-term memory in women, but there are few data on this subject pertaining to genetic men.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of supplemental estrogen on short-term memory in genetic men.


METHODS
A matched control study.


METHODS
Private interview rooms.


METHODS
The variable group consisted of 31 transsexual men taking estrogen to change their gender. The control group comprised 31 age- and education- matched men not taking estrogen. In addition, a group of four subjects not initially taking estrogen was studied immediately before and for a short time after initiating estrogen therapy.


METHODS
Short-term memory was evaluated by four accepted short-term memory tests dealing with digits, words, and sentences.


RESULTS
Three of the four short-term memory tests showed statistical significance favoring the estrogen-treated subjects. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Span for Digits Forwards (Test 1) showed a trend toward improvement. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Span for Digits Backwards (Test 2), the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability Memory for Words (Test 3),Sentences (Test 4) all showed statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support the hypothesis that estrogen enhances short-term memory in genetic men. This study, in conjunction with others, indicates the possible usefulness of estrogen therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Friedman
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