Glucocorticoids (GC) are a class of steroid hormones with pleotropic activity that are secreted by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis). The HPA axis is a pivotal neurobiological system that governs a multitude of physiological processes including, but not limited to, metabolism of important substrates, regulating haemodynamics, curating the immune response, and enabling the stress reflex. Under normal physiological conditions, glucocorticoids play a prominent role in regulating HPA-axis functioning via negative feedback inhibition at the levels of both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
In humans, cortisol is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Abnormal concentrations of cortisol are associated with cognitive impairment. For instance, patients with hypercortisolism (e.g., those with Cushing’s Syndrome or poorly controlled diabetes) often experience significant attention, memory, and executive functioning deficits. Similarly, patients with hypocortisolism as a consequence of primary adrenal insufficiency often perform poorly on tasks assessing memory and executive functioning.
This Research Topic will include a collection of original research and reviews focusing on recent advances in broadening scientific understanding of the interaction between glucocorticoids and cognition. Specifically, we commit to assembling a body of work that identifies modifiable risk factors and explores novel interventions that may impact on improving cognitive ability during states of physiologically altered cortisol concentrations. It is essential that this body of work have clinical applicability for the treating endocrinologist.
We welcome submissions for original research and reviews focusing on, but not limited to:
• Stress, cortisol, and cognition
• The relationship between Cushing's Syndrome and cognitive disease impairment
• The association between dementia and cortisol
• The interaction of the gastrointestinal microbiome, cortisol, and cognition
• The association between diabetes, HPA-axis activation , and cognition
• The relationship between anorexia nervosa, HPA-axis activation, and cognition
• Pharmacotherapy impacting the HPA axis
• Glucocorticoid replacement for primary or secondary hypoadrenalism and their impact on cognition
• Obstructive sleep apnoea and its impact on the HPA axis and cognition
Glucocorticoids (GC) are a class of steroid hormones with pleotropic activity that are secreted by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis). The HPA axis is a pivotal neurobiological system that governs a multitude of physiological processes including, but not limited to, metabolism of important substrates, regulating haemodynamics, curating the immune response, and enabling the stress reflex. Under normal physiological conditions, glucocorticoids play a prominent role in regulating HPA-axis functioning via negative feedback inhibition at the levels of both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
In humans, cortisol is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Abnormal concentrations of cortisol are associated with cognitive impairment. For instance, patients with hypercortisolism (e.g., those with Cushing’s Syndrome or poorly controlled diabetes) often experience significant attention, memory, and executive functioning deficits. Similarly, patients with hypocortisolism as a consequence of primary adrenal insufficiency often perform poorly on tasks assessing memory and executive functioning.
This Research Topic will include a collection of original research and reviews focusing on recent advances in broadening scientific understanding of the interaction between glucocorticoids and cognition. Specifically, we commit to assembling a body of work that identifies modifiable risk factors and explores novel interventions that may impact on improving cognitive ability during states of physiologically altered cortisol concentrations. It is essential that this body of work have clinical applicability for the treating endocrinologist.
We welcome submissions for original research and reviews focusing on, but not limited to:
• Stress, cortisol, and cognition
• The relationship between Cushing's Syndrome and cognitive disease impairment
• The association between dementia and cortisol
• The interaction of the gastrointestinal microbiome, cortisol, and cognition
• The association between diabetes, HPA-axis activation , and cognition
• The relationship between anorexia nervosa, HPA-axis activation, and cognition
• Pharmacotherapy impacting the HPA axis
• Glucocorticoid replacement for primary or secondary hypoadrenalism and their impact on cognition
• Obstructive sleep apnoea and its impact on the HPA axis and cognition
