Pregnenolone and Cognitive Health

Pregnenolone is a nootropic agent or “cognitive enhancer”. This means that it has the ability to improve various aspects of cognitive function including memory, learning, and thinking skills. Studies show that pregnenolone boosts cognitive function through several important mechanisms:
1. In the brain, pregnenolone acts as a signaling molecule where it stimulates the activity of neurons (nerve cells). [57-58]
2. Pregnenolone increases the growth of neurons. [59]
3. Pregnenolone enhances myelination (formation of protective covering of neurons) and the transmission of electrical signals. [60]
4. Pregnenolone enhances the survival of newborn neurons. [61]
5. Pregnenolone improves recovery of neurons. [62]
6. Pregnenolone protects neurons against cell toxicity and toxin-induced cell death. [63-64]
7. In the elderly, low blood levels of pregnenolone are associated with increased risk of dementia. [65]
8. Pregnenolone helps regulate neuronal function by activating and deactivating various signaling pathways. [66]
9. Pregnenolone helps stabilize neurons and stimulate its development. [67-68]
10. In mice and rats, pregnenolone administration enhances learning and memory. [69-70]
11. In mice and rats, pregnenolone supplementation improves performance in various mazes. [71]
12. In rats, pregnenolone blocks chemical-induced amnesia. [72-74]