Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Hormone Replacement Therapy May Lower Dementia Risk In Women, Shows Study

Women have a higher overall risk and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and certain other forms of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span>, partly because they tend to live longer than men and because of changes in estrogen levels after menopause.

A new study by researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Exeter suggests that <span>hormone replacement therapy</span> (<span>HRT</span>) may be associated with a lower risk of dementia in some women.

“Dementia affects millions of people worldwide, with women making up almost two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease cases, the main form of dementia. As populations age, understanding how sex-specific factors influence dementia risk is increasingly important,” said Prof Anne-Marie Minihane from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, who led the study.

<h2>HRT Linked To Lower Alzheimer’s Risk</h2>

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s &amp; Dementia, analyzed health data from more than 180,000 postmenopausal women in the UK.

<ul><li>16% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease among women who had used HRT compared with those who had never used it.</li><li>10% lower risk of dementia overall was associated with HRT use.</li><li>26% lower risk of any dementia among women who had undergone surgical menopause and used HRT.</li><li>16% lower risk of any dementia among women with lower lifetime estrogen exposure due to later menstruation or earlier menopause.</li></ul>

<h2>Which Groups Benefited More From HRT?</h2>

The association between HRT use and lower dementia risk was stronger in certain groups. These include:

<ul><li>Women who underwent surgical menopause: Those who used HRT had a 26% lower risk of dementia compared with non-users.</li><li>Women with lower lifetime estrogen exposure: Those who started menstruating later or experienced menopause earlier had a 16% lower risk of dementia with HRT use.</li><li>APOE4 carriers: The association between HRT use and lower dementia risk was stronger among women carrying the APOE4 gene variant, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.</li><li>Women who started HRT between ages 46 and 56: This group experienced the greatest reduction in dementia risk.</li><li>Timing may matter: The findings support the “critical window” hypothesis, suggesting HRT may offer greater benefits when started closer to the menopausal transition rather than later in life.</li></ul>

<h2>Could HRT Support Personalized Care?</h2>

The researchers said the findings add to growing evidence that the effects of hormone therapy on brain health are complex and may vary between women.

“While HRT has long been prescribed primarily to relieve menopausal symptoms such as <span>hot flushes</span> and night sweats, this work suggests it may also play a role in long-term cognitive health for some women,” Prof Minihane said.

The latest findings build on previous research from UEA, which found that HRT use was associated with better memory, cognition and larger brain volumes later in life among women carrying the APOE4 variant.

The team said the findings could help support more personalized approaches to HRT prescribing, taking into account factors such as menopause type, genetic risk, lifetime hormone exposure and age at HRT initiation.

Prof David Llewellyn of the University of Exeter Medical School said the findings help identify which women may be more likely to benefit from HRT and when treatment may have the greatest effect.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

hormone-replacement-therapy-may-lower-dementia-risk-in-women-shows-study

Hormone Replacement Therapy

dementia

HRT use in women

APOE4 gene HRT use

hot flushes

cyclospora-cases-cross-17000-in-us-should-you-stop-eating-lettuce

Cyclospora Cases Cross 17,000 In US: Should You Stop Eating Lettuce?

how-fit-you-really-are-your-grip-and-walking-speed-could-reveal-your-true-biological-age

How Fit You Really Are? Your Grip Strength & Walking Speed Could Reveal Your Biological Age

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Women have a higher overall risk and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and certain other forms of dementia, partly because they tend to live longer than men and because of changes in estrogen levels after menopause.A new study by researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Exeter suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be associated with a lower risk of dementia in some women.“Dementia affects millions of people worldwide, with women making up almost two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease cases, the main form of dementia. As populations age, understanding how sex-specific factors influence dementia risk is increasingly important,” said Prof Anne-Marie Minihane from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, who led the study.HRT Linked To Lower Alzheimer’s RiskThe study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, analyzed health data from more than 180,000 postmenopausal women in the UK.The findings showed:16% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease among women who had used HRT compared with those who had never used it.10% lower risk of dementia overall was associated with HRT use.26% lower risk of any dementia among women who had undergone surgical menopause and used HRT.16% lower risk of any dementia among women with lower lifetime estrogen exposure due to later menstruation or earlier menopause.Which Groups Benefited More From HRT?The association between HRT use and lower dementia risk was stronger in certain groups. These include:Women who underwent surgical menopause: Those who used HRT had a 26% lower risk of dementia compared with non-users.Women with lower lifetime estrogen exposure: Those who started menstruating later or experienced menopause earlier had a 16% lower risk of dementia with HRT use.APOE4 carriers: The association between HRT use and lower dementia risk was stronger among women carrying the APOE4 gene variant, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.Women who started HRT between ages 46 and 56: This group experienced the greatest reduction in dementia risk.Timing may matter: The findings support the “critical window” hypothesis, suggesting HRT may offer greater benefits when started closer to the menopausal transition rather than later in life.Could HRT Support Personalized Care?The researchers said the findings add to growing evidence that the effects of hormone therapy on brain health are complex and may vary between women.“While HRT has long been prescribed primarily to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, this work suggests it may also play a role in long-term cognitive health for some women,” Prof Minihane said.The latest findings build on previous research from UEA, which found that HRT use was associated with better memory, cognition and larger brain volumes later in life among women carrying the APOE4 variant.The team said the findings could help support more personalized approaches to HRT prescribing, taking into account factors such as menopause type, genetic risk, lifetime hormone exposure and age at HRT initiation.Prof David Llewellyn of the University of Exeter Medical School said the findings help identify which women may be more likely to benefit from HRT and when treatment may have the greatest effect.

hormone replacement therapy may lower dementia risk in women, shows study

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Hormone Replacement Therapy May Lower Dementia Risk In Women, Shows Study

Can Stress Trigger Psoriasis Flare-Ups? Understanding The Mind-Skin Connection

H1N1 Cases, Deaths Rise Across India: States Reporting Surge, Red Flags to Know

H1N1 and Sudden Vision Changes: When Flu-Related Eye Symptoms Need Medical Attention

Health Conditions A-Z

Hormone Replacement Therapy May Lower Dementia Risk In Women, Shows Study

Cyclospora Cases Cross 17,000 In US: Should You Stop Eating Lettuce?

How Fit You Really Are? Your Grip Strength & Walking Speed Could Reveal Your Biological Age