OBJECTIVESTo understand the hormone levels in male senile dementia patients and the effects of testosterone supplement theraphy (TST) on male senile dementia.

METHODSThe general health condition, mental health condition, hormone levels, and some other aspects were evaluated in 9 patients with male senile dementia without significant contradiction for TST. 9 patients were treated with oral testosterone undecanoate 120 mg per day for six weeks, and relative changes were observed, detected and recorded.

RESULTSIn 9 cases of male senile dementia, the average score was 5.33 in mini-mental state examination (MMSE), 14.56 in Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), 5.0 in geriatric depression scale (GDS), 32.56 in partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM) measuring form. The volume of testis was small (8.33 ml on average). After 1 week of having finished TST, the levels of serum testosterone (T) dropped significantly (dropped from average 2.88 ng/ml to 2.47 ng/ml, P < 0.05) in 9 patients with TST. General evaluation with clinician's global impression(CGI) for 9 patients showed 2 cases fail and 7 cases with progress (3 of them progress significantly). Average score dropped in HAMD form (10.67) and PADAM form (28.11). Physical strength and psychological status improved significantly, but vasomotor symptoms and sexual function failed response to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe levels of androgen is low, and the symptoms of androgen deficiency are readily seen in male senile dementia. TST can improve life quality of most patients to some extent.