Testosterone and Spatial Memory: Rodent Models and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Although the cognitive benefits of estrogen therapies have been extensively studied in women, understanding of the cognitive benefits of androgen therapies in men has lagged behind. This review synthesizes current clinical research and animal research on the effects of testosterone and its major metabolites on spatial memory in young and aged males. Spatial memory and associated hippocampal function show age-related decline, and current research indicates that testosterone treatments may ameliorate some of the cognitive effects of aging. This review highlights testosterone dose, long-term versus working memory, place versus response strategies, and estrogen versus androgen pathways as key variables that influence the relative impact of testosterone on spatial memory. Despite inconsistencies, there is considerable evidence from rodent and clinical research that testosterone can improve spatial memory. The cognitive benefits are most consistent when testosterone is given to hypogonadal males for a prolonged period.