Neuropsychiatric symptoms, Alzheimer’s Disease and Cerebrospinal Fluid Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate: a Prospective Study

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are important treatment targets in the management of dementia, can be present at very early stages of neurodegeneration, and are associated with more rapid clinical disease progression. Increased cortisol has been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and has been associated with cognitive decline. At the same time, cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” and elevated cortisol output has been observed in association with depression and delirium. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) has known anti‐glucocorticoid effects and may counter the effects of cortisol.