Long-term hormone therapy and cognitive function

This study examined the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on cognitive function over 3 years. Researchers reported no significant differences in cognitive function following long-term ADT compared to control participants not undergoing ADT.

ADT is a type of hormone therapy commonly used to treat prostate cancer. ADT targets the production of androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone) and reduces their effect on cancer cell growth. It has been estimated that up to 50% of men with prostate cancer will receive ADT at some time after diagnosis. Most men undergo ADT for at least 2 to 3 years. It is therefore important to examine the effect of long-term ADT on general health and well-being. Some studies have suggested that ADT can negatively impact cognitive function (brain processes such as perception, thinking, reasoning, and remembering). However, more studies are needed examining the cognitive effects of long-term ADT.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive function over 3 years in men undergoing long-term ADT.

77 men undergoing long-term ADT for prostate cancer were included. On average, patients received ADT for 29.3 months. Cognitive function was analyzed using 14 neuropsychological tests, administered on 5 occasions over 3 years. Changes in cognitive function were compared to 82 control patients with prostate cancer not undergoing ADT, and to 82 healthy control participants without prostate cancer.

No significant differences in cognitive scores were found between the groups at 3 years. All groups appeared to show similar rates of subjects improving, declining, or staying the same. This analysis controlled for age and education.

Researchers concluded that long-term ADT did not result in a significant decline in cognitive function compared to control participants not undergoing ADT.

At 3 years, only 64% of participants were still available for analysis. Larger studies are therefore needed to confirm these results.