Work

Brain atrophy and cognitive deficits in Cushing's disease

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Cushing's disease is associated with brain atrophy and cognitive deficits. Excess glucocorticoids cause retraction and simplification of dendrites in the hippocampus, and this morphological change probably accounts for the hippocampal volume loss. Mechanisms by which glucocorticoids affect the brain include decreased neurogenesis and synthesis of neurotrophic factors, impaired glucose utilization, and increased actions of excitatory amino acids. In this review, the timing, pathology, and pathophysiology of the brain atrophy in Cushing's disease are discussed. The correlation of atrophy with cognitive deficits and its reversibility is also reviewed.

Source: Neurosurgical FOCUS

DOI: 10.3171/foc-07/09/e11

Authors: Chirag G. Patil, Shivanand P. Lad, Laurence Katznelson, Edward R. Laws

Institutions: Stanford Medicine, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2121904239