Women who are in menopause and who experience many related symptoms may be at greater risk of being diagnosed with dementia, according to a recent study.
Led by researchers at the University of Calgary, Canada, the study found that women who experience more of such symptoms have an increased chance of impaired cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments later in life. Both of these features are markers of dementia.
The researchers note that the loss of the hormone estradiol among women in menopause may put them at higher risk of dementia. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is three times higher among women than men.
For the study, researchers looked at data from an ongoing Canadian study of nearly 900 respondents who had completed demographic, cognitive and behavioral assessments. All were post-menopausal and had an average age of 64.
The researchers tracked the following perimenopausal symptoms, meaning symptoms experienced during the transition into menopause:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- Dryness
- Weight gain
- Slowed metabolism
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood symptoms
- Inattention or forgetfulness
- Other unnamed symptoms
Women who reported more perimenopausal symptoms had greater cognitive impairment and more mild behavioral impairment symptoms — meaning significant changes in their normal behavior and personality — in mid- to late life.
Hormone therapy was not significantly associated with cognitive function, the researchers say. However, it was associated with reduced behavioral symptoms.
In a separate interview, co-authors Zahinoor Ismail and Jasper F.E. Crockford stated that understanding the link between menopause and Alzheimer’s disease can lead to important preventative interventions:
“These interventions not only include addressing hormonal status, but also comprise managing vascular risk factors, reducing inflammation from Western diet and environmental toxins, optimizing gut health and gut biome diversity, and supporting social interactions.”
For more health news, check out “Women on This Type of Diet Tend to Live Longer.”
Add a Comment