Prostate Cancer Treatment Could Impair Men'...(out the full extent of cognitive problem...),Health

"As men start this therapy, it is important to monitor them to see if they are having any of these effects," Nelson said. "If you are having difficulty with memory, make sure you are writing things down more. If you are having difficulty with multi-tasking, try simple things like focusing on one thing at a time," he said.

It is possible that when hormone therapy is stopped, these adverse cognitive effects go away, Nelson added.

Dr. Durado Brooks, director of prostate and colorectal cancers at the American Cancer Society, said the study highlights a largely ignored side effect of androgen depletion therapy.

Recent studies have also shown an increased risk of fracture and other conditions associated with the treatment, he said.

"There is a study that suggests that cardiovascular death rates may be higher among men undergoing this therapy. There is clear evidence that there is an increase in metabolic syndrome, which is associated with coronary artery disease and diabetes," Brooks said.

Moreover, androgen depletion therapy continues to be offered in situations where its benefits are not clear, Brooke said. Androgen depletion therapy may not be appropriate for treating early disease and should only be used in cases of advanced prostate cancer, he said.

"Many men are being treated with androgen depletion therapy for localized disease," Brooks said. "A study that was published just last month shows there is no survival advantage for most men in that situation," he said. "Men need to decide whether the potential benefit outweighs the harm of the therapy for them."

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