When men in New York and around the country are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is likely that they will undergo androgen deprivation therapy. ADT reduces androgen and testosterone levels in patients in an effort to reduce the growth of tumors, which is something that testosterone is associated with. However, new research indicates that ADT treatments may not be without a cost.
Low levels of testosterone can lead to reduced cognitive function as well as the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In an effort to see if there is a connection, researchers looked at patients who had received ADT treatment and checked to see if they had also developed Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers discovered that people who underwent ADT were 1.88 times as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s within an average of 2.7 years after the treatment ended compared to those who did not undergo ADT.
In spite of the fact that it looks like there is a very direct connection between the treatment and Alzheimer’s, researchers have said that the study indicates association and not a cause. Additionally, they are unsure of how much of a risk ADT treatments actually pose. However, since older males are already at risk for developing Alzheimer’s, any level of additional risk should be taken seriously and is cause for concern.
People rely on doctors to ensure that medical treatments do not cause new conditions to develop. Additionally, if there are potential side effects, patients believe they will be informed. When physicians do not make people aware of potential complications, it may be considered medical professional negligence. A person who has been harmed in this manner may want to meet with a medical malpractice attorney in order to learn the legal remedies that may be available.
