Replacement therapy of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the patients withmulti-infarct dementia

The levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 7 patients with multi-infarct dementia (MID) averaged 400+/-180 p g/ml. These levels were significantly lower than those in 14 age-and-gender -matched non-demented patients with a history of cerebral infarction (840+/ -400 pg/ml) or those in 15 age-and-gender-matched patients without neurolog ical disorders (800+/-400 pg/ml). We administered DHEAS to 7 MID patients i n the dose of 200 mg per day for four weeks intravenously. Serum and CSF le vels of DHEAS in 7 MID patients were markedly increased. Decrease of daily activities and emotional disturbances were improved in 3 patients and backg round activities in EEG of 2 patients were markedly improved. The favorable clinical effects diminished several months after withdrawal of DHEAS thera py in these patients. Replacement therapy of DHEAS may provide a beneficial effect on MID patients.