Effects of DHEA supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life: The DAWN Trial

Background: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels decline dramatically with age. Previous clinical trials of the effects of DHEA supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life used small sample sizes, were of short durations and yielded mixed results. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial examines the effect of 50 mg daily oral DHEA administered for one year on cognitive function and quality of life sexuality in a sample of 215 healthy older adults (n=110 men and n=115 women) unselected for lower levels of DHEA. Six cognitive function tests were administered at baseline and 12-months; Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), SF-36, life satisfaction and sexuality measures were obtained at baseline, 3, 6, and 12-months. Results: Mean age was 68±8 years and mean education was 16±2 years. DHEA treatment increased both DHEA and DHEA sulfate to levels approximately 2- to 4- fold higher than baseline; testosterone and estradiol were increased in women (ps<0.001), but not men. There were no differences between the DHEA and placebo groups in change over time in cognitive function (p's>0.10). Over time, BDI scores decreased for men (p=0.006) and women (p=0.02), and Satisfaction with Life Scale scores increased for women (p=0.004). However, there were no differences between the DHEA and placebo groups over time on these measures or the SF-36, Life Satisfaction Index-Z scale or sexual function scales (p's >0.10). Conclusion: DHEA supplementation has no benefit on cognitive performance or well-being in healthy older adults and it should not be recommended for that purpose in the general population.