Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life: The DHEA and Well‐Ness (DAWN) Trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life in healthy older adults. DESIGN: Double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Clinical research facility. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ten men and 115 women aged 55 to 85 (mean ± standard deviation 68 ± 8). INTERVENTION: Fifty milligrams daily oral DHEA versus placebo for 1 year. MEASUREMENTS: Six cognitive function tests at baseline and 12 months, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36), the Life Satisfaction Index‐Z, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index (in women), and the 15‐item International Index of Erectile Function (in men) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: There were no differences between the DHEA and placebo groups in change over time in cognitive function (P>.10). Over time, BDI scores decreased for men (P=.006) and women (P=.02), and Satisfaction with Life Scale scores increased for women (P=.004), but 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>.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.