Cognition in prostate cancer patients before undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and elderly males

Joshee, Paras (2018). Cognition in prostate cancer patients before undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and elderly males. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Deleterious cognitive effects of testosterone deprivation in prostate cancer (PC) patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy have been reported. However, due to methodological limitations of past research, there is mixed consensus of the cognitive domains affected. The current study therefore aimed to assess cognition before ADT through a comprehensive battery of cognitive and neuroimaging investigations which previous undertakings have lacked.
A cross sectional study of 30 ageing PC patients before ADT and 29 age and intelligence matched healthy controls underwent neuropsychological and neuroimaging investigations. While there were generally no differences, some significant differences were revealed where patients had higher testosterone levels and better spatial reasoning accuracy compared to controls suggesting some compensatory effect of testosterone in patients. A second study was conducted to assess the reliability of cognition in controls in a longitudinal six month study. Controls were confirmed to have reliable and stable cognition with intact underlying neural correlates confirming their appropriateness for future longitudinal assessments in PC patients.
In conclusion, this research facilitated development and management of cognition in PC patients before therapy. If side-effects can be resolved before therapy, then they may be prevented during ADT. Moreover, it provides a basis for a longitudinal future research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):