Influence of Testosterone on Dementia in Male Mice

I aim to study the effects of testosterone on cognition and pathology in a mouse model of multi etiology dementia.

Low testosterone levels in men are a risk factor for dementia and are associated with cognitive decline. This study will investigate the effects of testosterone removal and treatment on cognitive decline and pathology in a new mouse model of multi-etiology dementia. This addresses a major brain health issue in men (dementia) and contributes to the development of new treatments and preventions.

This is the first study to utilize a second-generation knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AppNL-F mice) to create a multi-etiology dementia mouse model. Additionally, we will be the first to examine the role of androgens in any mouse model of multi-etiology dementia.

This study examines the extent of androgens effects on cognition and pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and multi-etiology dementia. This is very important as 40 % of men over the age of 45 suffer from low androgen levels. However few studies have examined the role of androgens in Alzheimer’s disease, and none in multi-etiology dementia. This is a critical gap in knowledge because multi-etiology dementia accounts for up to 80% of all Alzheimer’s disease cases. Our study will provide mechanistic insight that will facilitate future interventions to decrease the burden of dementia.