Can a vasectomy reversal prevent dementia?
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that men with a rare form of dementia have a higher rate of vasectomy than men the same age who are cognitively normal. The specific form of dementia is Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), characterized by difficulties remembering and understanding words.
Dr. Sandra Weintraub, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of neurology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and lead researcher on the project, started investigating the link when a patient of hers began developing language problems at the age of 43 and suggested a connection to his vasectomy.
At a twice-yearly Chicago support group for PPA patients Weintraub sees from around the country, the male patient rushed into the room and asked the men sitting there, “OK, guys, how many of you have PPA?” Nine hands went up.
“How many of you had a vasectomy?” he demanded next. Eight hands shot up.
One possible cause is anti-sperm antibodies that develop in 60-70% of men who have undergone vasectomies.
So this all begs the question, can a vasectomy reversal decrease your risk of this form of dementia?
Read the full story: Vasectomy may put men at risk for type of dementia.
