MENOPAUSE THERAPY FIGHTS ALZHEIMER’S!
HORMONE replacement therapy (HRT) could reduce the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease for some women genetically predisposed to the memory-robbing condition!
A new study at the University of East Anglia linked HRT use with improved recall and cognitive skills in later life for gals carrying the APOE4 gene, which is the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. One in four Americans carry at least one copy of the gene.
The researchers examined data from 1,178 female subjects over age 50 involved in the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia initiative, which studies participants’ brain health over time.
“We found HRT use is associated with better memory and larger brain volumes among at-risk APOE4 gene carriers,” says Dr. Rasha Saleh.
“The associations were particularly evident when HRT was introduced early — during the transition to menopause known as perimenopause.” Saleh says her team’s findings could prove important as there are currently limited drug options for Alzheimer’s treatment.
She points out, “The effects of HRT in this observational study, if confirmed in an intervention trial, would equate to a brain age several years younger.”
HRT is prescribed to relieve women’s debilitating symptoms during menopause when hormone levels drop. It helps to lessen the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and reduced sex drive that can plague gals for several years. Docs say HRT can also help prevent osteoporosis — a weakening of the bones, which is most common after menopause. Almost two-thirds of the 6.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women — but the total figure is expected to almost double by 2050! Professor Michael Hornberger says, “Our results highlight the potential importance of HRT in reducing Alzheimer’s risk.” Colleague Professor Craig Ritchie, of University of Edinburgh, adds, “This important finding highlights the need to challenge many assumptions about early Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment — especially when considering women’s brain health.”
The scientists say the next stage of their research will be a clinical trial to confirm the impact of starting HRT early on cognition and brain health and to analyze which types of HRT are most beneficial.