Anabolic steroid use leads to memory issues, North-East study reveals

July 6, 2015

PEOPLE using anabolic steroids to improve muscle growth and sporting performance are far more likely to experience memory problems, according to new research from Northumbria University. In some specialist gym user groups – such as bodybuilders and weightlifters – it is estimated as many as 38 per cent take steroids. Dr Tom Heffernan from the University’s Department of Psychology assessed almost 100 regular male gym users aged 18-30. Half used steroids and half did not.

The results, published in The Open Psychiatry Journal, revealed those using steroids had significantly more deficits in their prospective and retrospective memory functioning, as well as mental executive function, compared to non-users. Steroid users were 39 per cent more forgetful in terms of prospective memory – the process of remembering to do something you planned to do in the future. They were also 28 per cent more forgetful at recalling past memories or previous facts and demonstrated a 32 per cent difference in their ability to mentally coordinate information and pay attention.

“Our findings suggest that long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids has a significant impact on an individual’s everyday memory and ability to remember. This could affect many spheres of life, including interpersonal, occupational, educational and health-related aspects, given the ubiquitous nature of everyday remembering.” http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/13373518.Anabolic_steroid_use_leads_to_memory_issues__North_East_study_reveals/