Is Low Testosterone A Predictor For Alzheimer’s Disease?

Testosterone, the potent male hormone, is produced by the male testes, plus it can also be produced (in smaller amounts) in women by their reproductive organs - the ovaries.

Testosterone has been shown to promote many improvements in health, from virility to a decrease in cardiovascular risk factors.

Testosterone is a key hormone for preserving the health of many different systems in your body.

However, as men age, testosterone levels start to decline. 

Testosterone levels (unlike menopause in women where there is a sharp decline), start to gradually decline, which could lead to increased weight around the midsection, loss of concentration, lack of sex drive and motivation, and even increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, shows that lower bioavailable testosterone levels could increase your risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Let me explain…

Testosterone and Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers in China wanted to see if testosterone levels in (otherwise dementia free) older men could affect their risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

They recruited 153 older, community dwelling Chinese men that were free from dementia.

The average age of the men was 72.7 years.

Baseline measurements included: serum testosterone levels (TT), bioavailable testosterone levels (BT), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).  The researchers followed the men for one year and performed a follow-up evaluation, looking for cases of both Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Bioavailable testosterone levels refer to the amount of testosterone circulating in your blood that can readily enter into cells.  It is a better overall measurement of usable testosterone in your body than total testosterone levels are.

SHBG refers to a protein that binds to testosterone and it helps testosterone travel freely through the body.

The researchers discovered that 10 men, who accounted for 6.5% of all men, developed dementia that eventually progressed into Alzheimer’s disease.

They also noted that 143 men, who accounted for 93.5% of all men, were free from dementia or Alzheimer’s at the end of the one-year study.

The researchers showed that bioavailable testosterone, systolic blood pressure, and the ApoE4 gene were independent risk factors for the development of Alzheimer’s.

They showed that baseline bioavailable testosterone levels were a predictor of a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

They concluded that bioavailable testosterone levels in later life could predict a lower risk for future development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Although this research needs to be verified, it could provide some insight into how the gradual decrease in testosterone levels can negatively impact your health.   However, this research needs to be verified further before addressing the correct treatment options when it comes to lower bioavailable testosterone levels.

Testosterone and Your Health

Testosterone, the potent male hormone, has been shown to increase muscle mass, improve strength and virility, and reduce your risk for hip fractures and premature death.

However, testosterone levels start to decline as you age (sometimes starting in your 30s), which could lead to the development of other conditions and ailments.

Now, according to this study, your levels of bioavailable testosterone could be a predictor of your risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Even though lower testosterone levels have been shown to increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease, taking the right steps now to naturally increase your testosterone, could potentially prevent you from developing ailments associated with lower T-levels.


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References:

Chu, LW.  Sidney, T.  Wong, RLC. Yik, PY. Song, Y. Cheung, BMY. Morley, J.  Lam, K.  Bioavailable Testosterone Predicts a Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Men.   Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.  2010. Vol.21 (4):pp.1335-1345.