Cortisol levels during human aging predict hippocampal atrophy and memory deficits

Nat Neurosci. 1998 May;1(1):69-73. doi: 10.1038/271.

Abstract

Elevated glucocorticoid levels produce hippocampal dysfunction and correlate with individual deficits in spatial learning in aged rats. Previously we related persistent cortisol increases to memory impairments in elderly humans studied over five years. Here we demonstrate that aged humans with significant prolonged cortisol elevations showed reduced hippocampal volume and deficits in hippocampus-dependent memory tasks compared to normal-cortisol controls. Moreover, the degree of hippocampal atrophy correlated strongly with both the degree of cortisol elevation over time and current basal cortisol levels. Therefore, basal cortisol elevation may cause hippocampal damage and impair hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / blood*
  • Atrophy
  • Forecasting
  • Hippocampus / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Memory / physiology
  • Memory Disorders / psychology*
  • Organ Size / physiology

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone