Disease is linked to hormone level

HARTFORD COURANT
Men with lower levels of the sex hormone testosterone seem to be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the journal Neurology.
The study of 574 men over an average period of 19 years found that the lower the men's testosterone levels, the greater the likelihood they would develop Alzheimer's.
By the end of the study, the 54 men who developed Alzheimer's had about half the level of free unbound testosterone circulating in their bloodstream than men who did not have dementia.
Men produce less testosterone as they age, and it tends to stick to a sex hormone binding globulin. The study measured only testosterone that is "free" to circulate within the body.
Researchers stressed that the study does not prove lower amounts of the male sex hormone cause dementia. And until clinical trials are conducted, it will remain unclear whether treatment with testosterone can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's.
Similar observational studies of estrogen levels in women had suggested that the female sex hormone might play a protective role against dementia. However, later studies failed to show that hormonal therapy helps prevent Alzheimer's in women.
It is also not known whether testosterone therapy could have negative health consequences.