New Alzheimer’s cause uncovered

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in older men may be due to high levels of estrogen. A new study in the Annals of Neurology shows that men with high estrogen levels scored significantly lower on a test of brain function than men with low estrogen.

A total of 2300 men aged 71 to 93 without dementia took part in the study. Levels of testosterone and estrogen were determined from blood samples. The patients were then examined 3 times over a period of 6 years for any decline in their brain function using a series of test questions know as the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI).

The study found that 134 men developed Alzheimer’s disease and 44 experienced dementia during this time.

For each increase in estrogen level, the risk for Alzheimer’s disease went up 25%.

These findings are similar to recent findings in postmenopausal women, but further studies are needed to determine exactly how estrogen increases the risk of dementia.

Remember: It is important to maintain regular check-ups with your GP.

Source: Annals of Neurology 2006; doi:10.1002/ana.20918 http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jabout/76507645/News.html