Temporary cognitive problems in men on hormone therapy

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that men taking hormone therapy for prostate cancer can expect to experience some cognitive decline in the short-term.
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an effective adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer. It decreases levels of testosterone in the body and also levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen.

A study by researchers at Turku University Hospital, Finland, shows that men on ADT suffered some temporary cognitive decline as measured by tests of visual memory of figures and recognition speed of numbers. These changes were apparent at six months, but not at 12 months. Men on ADT should be reassured that if they do experience some problems with verbal fluency or memory while taking the treatment, these are temporary.

Source
Cancer online 28th February 2005 (print 1st April)

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