Andropause Cognitive Symptoms encompass a range of neurocognitive deficits experienced by some men as they age, coinciding with a gradual decline in circulating testosterone and other androgen levels, a phenomenon sometimes termed andropause or late-onset hypogonadism. Clinically, patients may report noticeable difficulties with executive functions, including impaired concentration, reduced mental clarity, and diminished spatial memory. These changes directly reflect the critical influence of androgens on neuronal health and neurotransmitter regulation within the central nervous system.
Origin
The concept of “andropause” is derived from the Greek andro- (man) and pausis (cessation), paralleling the female menopause, although the decline in men is more gradual. The recognition of specific cognitive symptoms within this framework stems from clinical endocrinology and geriatric psychiatry, highlighting the neuroendocrine connection. It acknowledges that the brain is a major target organ for sex hormones, influencing mood, energy, and cognitive performance.
Mechanism
Testosterone and its neuroactive metabolites exert protective and modulatory effects on various brain regions, particularly those involved in memory and cognition. A decline in androgen levels is hypothesized to disrupt this neurosteroid signaling, potentially reducing cerebral blood flow and altering the balance of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine. This hormonal shift can also increase the brain’s vulnerability to oxidative stress and inflammation, manifesting as the observed cognitive decline.
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