Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 549.1 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Effects of estradiol or estradiol/progesterone treatment on cognition and structural MRI measures in healthy older women: A 24 week placebo controlled study. |
| Authors: |
Wolf, O. T.*1
; Mohlberg, H.2
; Rusinek, H.3
; Heinrich, A. B.1
; Holdmann, S.1
; Shah, N. J.2
; Amunts, K.2
; Zilles, K.2
; Kirschbaum, C.
1Dept Exptl. Psychol II, Univ Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany 2Germany, Universitaets Str. 1, 40225, 3Inst. of Med., Universitaets Str. 1, 40225, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy -- Cognitive aging |
| Session: |
549. Cognitive Aging II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, October 25, 2004 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # KK26 |
| Keywords: | Aging, Hormone, Estrogen, Memory |
Animal studies have established that the gonadal hormones estradiol and progesterone exert multiple effects in the central nervous system. The hippocampus seems to be particularly responsive to those hormones in its function and structure. The possible relevance of these effects for memory in older postmenopausal women is still debated. Studies in relatively young women have documented that estradiol improves verbal memory. Studies in older women in contrast have resulted in an inconclusive picture. In addition, the possible interaction of estradiol and progesterone has rarely been investigated. In this double blind experiment 51 hysterectomized women (age 58-75 years) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) Placebo, 2) Estradiol (2 mg estradiol valerate), or 3) Estradiol/Progesterone (2 mg estradiol valerate/100 mg micronized progesterone). Neuropsychological testing and structural MRI were conducted at baseline and after 4 (cognitive tests only) and 24 weeks of treatment. Verbal and visual memory, verbal fluency, mental rotation, response inhibition, and attention were assessed. Global as well as regional (hippocampus) atrophy were measured using both linear and fluid image coregistration techniques. Results revealed the expected hormone increases in the two active treatment groups. However, no significant effects in any of the cognitive tests occurred. These non-significant cognitive findings suggest that the aged brain, after prolonged estradiol depletion, does not respond beneficially to estradiol anymore.
Supported by DFG WO 733/2-1 & 2-2
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
Copyright © 2004-2026 Society for Neuroscience; all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of any abstract in any form must be obtained in writing by SfN office prior to publication.
