As we age, our bodies produce less of the hormone testosterone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including increased risk for dementia in some males. However, dementia is not just an older person’s disease; it occurs at any age. In this blog post, we will explore how low testosterone levels predict dementia risk in males and what you can do about it.
What is dementia?
Dementia is the term for a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are many different types of dementia; Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of all forms of dementia.
How does low testosterone lead to an increased risk of developing dementia?
In studies on how low testosterone levels predict dementia risk, researchers have found that men with low-normal or borderline testosterone had a more significant decline in cognitive function than those who were not under the same range.
A blood test can confirm that you are experiencing low testosterone levels, which is a quick and easy way to determine if the symptoms are due to ageing or something more serious like dementia. It’s been found that men with a low testosterone level are twice as likely to develop dementia. In the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 20,000 people in their 70s and 80s who were being followed for an average of six years. Among these patients, those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia had lower testosterone levels when they entered the study than those without such diagnoses.
Additionally, some medications can cause this effect, including antidepressants (SSRIs) or blood pressure medications. It’s also possible that low testosterone levels are just an early sign of dementia and not the cause.
The good news is there are ways to increase your testosterone level naturally via exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes. As technology progresses, these conditions can also be detected much earlier, enabling you to take the correct steps in order to still live a long and meaningful life!