Relationship between testosterone and cognitive performance in elderly women

• Grant number: 18/03467-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Sofia Cristina Iost Pavarini
• Grantee: Mirely Oliveira Ghinelli
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/23475-8 - Effect of testosterone in chronic pain of older women: a comparative study between Brazil and Spain, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Studies have shown the relationship of testosterone to cognition, but the results are still controversial and there are few studies with women. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the hormone testosterone and the cognitive performance of women aged 60 to 80 years. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study, based on the assumptions of quantitative research. The study will be carried out with a convenience sample, composed of women aged between 60 and 80 years, registered in the Family Health Care Center of a city in the interior of São Paulo, in a region of high social vulnerability (n = 30). All ethical care will be considered. The elderly women will be interviewed in their homes and referred to laboratory tests. To evaluate cognitive function will be used the cognitive evaluation instrument Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - Revised (ACE-R). In laboratory tests the following hormones will be dosed: free bioavailable testosterone, FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin and Estradiol. The results of this study will deepen knowledge about the relationship between cognition and testosterone in women and the data may help health care professionals in the elderly population. (AU)