The Anti-Aging Benefits of DHEA

The anti-aging benefits of DHEA or in it's long version, dehydroepianosterone, has been well researched for numerous years. In the December 2010 issue of Life Extension, my personal favorite reading material, they expound on some of the more recent findings that confirm it's way of preserving our youth.

DHEA is considered the mother hormone of the body due to the fact that it precedes the sex hormones as well as many other hormones. It's abundance in our youth is what gives us quick, sharp thinking ability as well as that youthful endless energy we are always longing for once we start feeling our age.

DHEA and the Nervous System

In the Life Extension article, it states that a deficiency of DHEA is a contributing factor to things like nervous system and brain decline and that in fact, supplementing with DHEA has substantial neuro-protective potential therefore increasing cognitive function. Those with a forgetful nature will probably be happy to hear that. I have spent time taking this supplement in a moderate dose of 50 milligrams daily and noticed more of an overall feeling of well being.

Cognitive Function

The year 2009 was a great year for revealing the capability of DHEA. In one particular large study illuminating the power of DHEA-S, a sulphate form of this supplement, it was found that this substance significantly improved cognitive function like memory, improved concentration levels, as well as better decision making ability.

DHEA and Schizophrenia

Scientists from Israel found that there was a correlation between the cognitive dysfunction that occurs with schizophrenia and decreased levels of DHEA-S. When schizophrenics were supplemented with 200 milligrams of DHEA-S their motor skills and attention span improved, enhancing their quality of life, however the actual schizophrenic symptoms remained.

ATP (the energy cell)

ATP, otherwise known as andenosine triphosphate is the cell within us that provides us with energy. The Life Extension article states that in one particular study done with rats that were administered DHEA, the cells of their brain were better able to take in and utilize ATP, giving them better brain function and further protecting the brain from damage related to aging. The mitochondria, or nucleus of the energy cell ATP is what benefits from the use of DHEA. The mitochondria is the portion of the cell that provides energy.

Depression

It seems that depression becomes likely more with the aging process as well. Lower levels of DHEA can be a contributing factor to this especially if there are triggers present that are known to cause depression in someone. In a study mentioned in this Life Extension article, depressed women and men alike that supplemented with DHEA had considerable improvement.

As I understand it, through reading this article as well as my own health experience, taking this supplement in moderate doses of DHEA can markedly increase the quality of life for many, however it's important to have bloodwork done both before taking it and after to determine the need for initiating the use of this supplement even when it's the over the counter type.

Source: Life Extension December 2010 issue.