Memory Enhancement Study ResultsUsing mice that were given a compound to artificially induce Alzheimer-like symptoms, four chemicals were tested for their effect on the cognitive functions of the animals. An artificial compound PRE-084, and three naturally occurring hormones - DHEA, pregnenolone and progesterone were tested. The results showed that all except the progesterone were found to help improve the impaired memory function, while progesterone was found to interfere with the beneficial effects of the other hormones. This seems curious since pregnenolone is known as a precursor to both DHEA and progesterone (as well as testosterone, the estrogens, and cortisol). It seems as if it may be better to rely on the pregnenolone and the body's own chemistry to balance the other hormones. In addition to testing PRE-084, the researchers also investigated the effects of three hormones - dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone sulfate, both of which are secreted by the adrenal glands, and the female sex hormone progesterone - on the memory of the Alzheimer-type mice. The scientists found that DHEA and pregnenolone sulfate improved both short-term and long-term memory, just as PRE-084 did. Progesterone, on the other hand, had minimal effects on its own but blocked the memory enhancing-effects of DHEA and pregnenolone sulfate. This particular study was done in the context of understanding drug addiction, which affects the same sigma receptors in the brain, and addresses only one of the many benefits claimed for pregnenolone. Still, it does support the claims that pregnenolone, which like DHEA declines with age, is an important factor in the aging process. In future notes from the LongevityBlog we will take a look at some of the other claims for pregnenolone, and see what other scientific evidence we can dig up to support or refute those claims. |
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