[A tentative research of testosterone supplement therapy on male senile dementia].
OBJECTIVE
To understand the hormone levels in male senile dementia patients and the effects of testosterone supplement theraphy (TST) on male senile dementia.


METHODS
The general health condition, mental health condition, hormone levels, and some other aspects were evaluated in 9 patients with male senile dementia without significant contradiction for TST. 9 patients were treated with oral testosterone undecanoate 120 mg per day for six weeks, and relative changes were observed, detected and recorded.


RESULTS
In 9 cases of male senile dementia, the average score was 5.33 in mini-mental state examination (MMSE), 14.56 in Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), 5.0 in geriatric depression scale (GDS), 32.56 in partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM) measuring form. The volume of testis was small (8.33 ml on average). After 1 week of having finished TST, the levels of serum testosterone (T) dropped significantly (dropped from average 2.88 ng/ml to 2.47 ng/ml, P < 0.05) in 9 patients with TST. General evaluation with clinician's global impression(CGI) for 9 patients showed 2 cases fail and 7 cases with progress (3 of them progress significantly). Average score dropped in HAMD form (10.67) and PADAM form (28.11). Physical strength and psychological status improved significantly, but vasomotor symptoms and sexual function failed response to the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The levels of androgen is low, and the symptoms of androgen deficiency are readily seen in male senile dementia. TST can improve life quality of most patients to some extent.
Li
Hong-Jun
HJ
Laboratory of Reproduction & Genetics, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China. hongjun63@163.com
Zhou
Bao-Lin
BL
Bai
Li-Li
LL
Liu
Jun-Sheng
JS
Huang
Yu-Feng
YF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone