Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid use: A risk factor for dementia?

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Marc J KaufmanHarrison G Pope

Abstract

Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with physiologic, cognitive, and brain abnormalities similar to those found in people at risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease and its related dementias (AD/ADRD), which are associated with high brain β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (tau-P) protein levels. Supraphysiologic-dose AAS induces androgen abnormalities and excess oxidative stress, which have been linked to increased and decreased expression or activity of proteins that synthesize and eliminate, respectively, Aβ and tau-P. Aβ and tau-P accumulation may begin soon after initiating supraphysiologic-dose AAS use, which typically occurs in the early 20s, and their accumulation may be accelerated by other psychoactive substance use, which is common among non-medical AAS users. Accordingly, the widespread use of supraphysiologic-dose AAS may increase the numbers of people who develop dementia. Early diagnosis and correction of sex-steroid level abnormalities and excess oxidative stress could attenuate risk for developing AD/ADRD in supraphysiologic-dose AAS users, in people with other substance use disorders, and in people with low sex-steroid levels or excess oxidative stress associated w...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 18, 2020·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Stephen J Kohut, Marc J Kaufman
Jan 23, 2021·Healthcare·Giuseppe Davide AlbanoAngelo Montana
Apr 4, 2021·Biological Psychiatry : Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·Astrid BjørnebekkLars T Westlye
Aug 8, 2021·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Thomas M BarberMartin O Weickert
Oct 29, 2021·Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity·Morgan Scarth, Astrid Bjørnebekk
Feb 18, 2020·Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics·Gen KanayamaHarrison G Pope

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