DHEA and Brain Health

As a nootropic agent or cognitive-enhancer, DHEA is among the most important neurosteroids. Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized within the brain that help maintain the functions of nerve cells. There is strong scientific evidence that DHEA supplementation can help boost brain function in the elderly as well as those with cognitive impairments related to various brain problems:
1. In women, DHEA supplementation improves memory by stimulating neurons and inhibiting the stress hormone cortisol. [214]
2. In patients with depression and anxiety, DHEA enhances emotional regulation of memory by improving the function of the hippocampus (memory center of the brain). [215-216]
3. In young adults, DHEA improves visual processing. [217]
4. In women, DHEA supplementation improves working memory, attention and verbal fluency. [218]
5. In elderly men and women, DHEA supplementation significantly improves executive function and memory. [219]
6. In men, DHEA replacement therapy at a dose of 300 mg daily improves memory recollection and mood and decreases cortisol levels. [220]
7. In older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, oral DHEA supplementation at a dose of 25 mg daily for 6 months improves cognition and activities of daily living. [221]
8. In rat models of Alzheimer’s disease, DHEA supplementation reduces symptoms and improves memory. [222]