Menopause and Brain Changes Like Alzheimer’s Disease
- A new study published today in Psychological Medicine from the University of Cambridge in the UK suggests menopause links to loss of gray matter and brain changes similar...
- Researchers aimed to analyze the effects of menopause on the female brain and determine if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent cognitive decline associated with this life...
- Participants completed questionnaires about their menopausal experience, self-reported mental health, sleep patterns, and overall health.
A new study published today in Psychological Medicine from the University of Cambridge in the UK suggests menopause links to loss of gray matter and brain changes similar to those seen in alzheimer’s disease. This could explain why women face a higher risk of developing dementia then men.
Researchers aimed to analyze the effects of menopause on the female brain and determine if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent cognitive decline associated with this life stage.They analyzed data from nearly 125,000 women, categorizing them into three groups: pre-menopausal women, post-menopausal women who had never used hormone therapy, and post-menopausal women who used HRT.
Participants completed questionnaires about their menopausal experience, self-reported mental health, sleep patterns, and overall health. A portion of the women also underwent cognitive testing, including assessments of memory and reaction time. Around 11,000 participants also had MRI scans, allowing researchers to analyze brain structure and identify any changes linked to different menopausal stages.
Results show menopause correlates with a loss of gray matter, a type of brain tissue crucial for functions like thinking, memory, emotions, and movement. The study also indicates this period may associate with symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.