GHRP-6
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6, Growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Cognitive performance in older males is associated with growth hormone secretion.
Quik. E H EH; Conemans. E B EB; Valk. G D GD; Kenemans. J L JL; Koppeschaar. H P F HP; van Dam. P S PS
Key Findings
- GH secretion positively correlated with faster response times and accuracy in a selective‑attention task.
- Higher GH peaks were associated with better scores on a short‑term memory test (letter‑digit span).
- The study used a GHRH‑GHRP‑6 stimulation test to assess GH output, linking it to neuropsychological performance and EEG measures.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers interested in cognitive longevity, the data hint that strategies to boost GH (e.g., GHRP‑6 supplementation) might support attention and memory in older adults. However, the evidence is correlational, based on a tiny sample, and does not define dosing or safety, so any protocol should be approached cautiously and combined with broader health measures.
Summary
In a small study of 17 older men, higher natural growth hormone (GH) release—measured after a GHRH‑GHRP‑6 test—was linked to better performance on attention, speed, and short‑term memory tasks. This suggests that GH levels may play a role in maintaining cognitive function as we age.
Abstract
Decreases in GH secretion with age may contribute to cognitive changes associated with aging. We evaluated the relation between GH secretion and cognition in elderly males by assessing correlations between GH secretion and performance on cognitive tests in conjunction with recording of event-related potentials (ERPs) to assess underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. GH secretion of 17 elderly male participants was assessed by a GHRH-GHRP-6 test. Standardized neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognitive function. EEG/ERPs were recorded to assess on-line electrocortical correlates of sensory-cortical processing and selective attention. GH secretion was significantly correlated with target detections and speed of responding in the selection-potential task. Furthermore, GH peak was significantly correlated with the performance letter-digit span test. The present data confirm that cognitive performance in elderly males is associated with GH secretion, with respect to target detection and speed of responding in conditions of selective attention, short-term memory, and basic processing speed.
Study Information
pubmed
2010
2010-05-21T00:00:00.000Z
10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.03.022
21
18