Effect of Testosterone Supplementation on Cognition in Elderly Men: A Systematic Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Cognitive function is an important issue in aging societies. Testosterone levels and cognitive function are known to be correlated; however, the clinical conclusions remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether testosterone supplementation improve cognitive function in adult men through a systematic meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched. Literature search, study identification, and data extraction were performed between December 2019 and March 2021.

Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The sample sizes of the selected studies varied from 11 to 493. There were no significant differences in cognitive speed (standardized mean difference [SMD]=−0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.26 to 0.16), immediate verbal memory function (SMD=0.07; 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.20), immediate visual memory function (SMD=−0.01; 95% CI, −0.15 to 0.13), working memory function (SMD=−0.04; 95% CI, −0.42 to 0.35), delayed memory function (SMD=−0.02; 95% CI, −0.14 to 0.10), executive function (SMD=0.03; 95% CI, −0.08 to 0.15), perception (SMD=−0.13; 95% CI, −0.37 to 0.11), cognitive inhibition (SMD=−0.13; 95% CI, −0.49 to 0.23), visual attention (SMD=−0.02; 95% CI, −0.16 to 0.11), and cognitive status scores (SMD=−0.02; 95% CI, −0.18 to 0.14).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that there is a lack of evidence that testosterone administration has an effect on preventing cognitive decline. Therefore, testosterone use to prevent cognitive decline may not be recommended.