Introduction
Have you ever wondered if the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) could affect your memory and cognitive function?
Cognitive function refers to your brain's ability to process information, think clearly, remember things, and make decisions.
In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, AAS is often used to enhance muscle growth and performance, but it might come with significant downsides beyond physical side effects. This study explores how AAS use impacts everyday memory and cognitive abilities in regular gym users, shedding light on what happens to your brain when you take these substances.
What the Research Shows
The research compared two groups of regular gym users: those who use AAS and those who don't. It found that AAS users had notable deficits in three key cognitive areas:
Retrospective Memory (RM): AAS users reported more difficulty in recalling past events and information from long-term memory.
Executive Function (EF): Issues with attention, multitasking, impulse control, and overall cognitive planning were more prevalent in the AAS group.
Prospective Memory (PM): AAS users also had trouble remembering planned actions or tasks they needed to do in the future, like appointments or deadlines.
These findings suggest that the use of AAS can significantly impair your ability to remember important information, focus on tasks, and manage daily activities effectively.
Facts About the Study
Published in: The Open Psychiatry Journal, 2015
Participants: 95 regular gym users (47 AAS users and 48 non-AAS users), all male, aged 18-30
Methodology: Participants completed self-reported questionnaires on memory, cognitive function, mood, and substance use, administered through Survey Monkey.
Exclusions: The study controlled for factors like excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and mood disorders to isolate the effects of AAS.
Study Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which could introduce bias or inaccuracies in reporting.
The sample was limited to male gym users aged 18-30, which means the findings may not apply to other populations.
Future research could benefit from more objective measures of memory and cognitive function, rather than just self-reports.
Boost Summary
At Boost, we are not qualified to offer you medical advice, instead we try our very best to make research thats out there available to you in simple terms so that you can make an informed decision about what you want to do with your life and choices around all things health and fitness related.
If you're considering using anabolic steroids to boost your muscle gains, this study serves as a cautionary tale. While AAS might help you build muscle, it could also impair your memory and cognitive abilities, affecting your daily life in ways you might not expect. Think twice before choosing short-term gains over long-term cognitive health, and always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any substance.
Referencing
Original publication name : Everyday Memory Deficits Associated with Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Regular Gymnasium Users Thomas M. Heffernan , Lisa Battersby, Patricia Bishop and Terence S. O’Neill
Link to original publication : https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOPJ/TOPJ-9-1.pdf
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