Menopause Can Raise Alzheimer Risk In Women, Neurologist Warns

Hormonal changes during menopause can significantly increase Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk in women, according to Dr Lisa Mosconi, a neuroscientist and women’s brain health specialist. In a new The Journal of Clinical Investigation review, the renowned AD expert noted that menopause can change brain biology and metabolism and may contribute to amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are key biological markers of AD.Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting over 55 million individuals worldwide, with projections exceeding 150 million by 2050 . Out of the reported cases, nearly two-third are made up of women, with the majority being postmenopausal women Estrogen protects the brain by lowering inflammation, increasing neuronal survivals supporting non-amyloidogenic processing, and reducing amyloid-beta-related neurotoxicity, all of which are factors contributing to the development of AD. However, when estrogen levels drop during menopause and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) rise, the brain becomes more likely to develop AD-related damage. Previous research has also shown that early menopause, especially before age 45, is linked with increased risk of dementia and the removing the ovaries before natural menopause could increase long-term dementia risk, with the greatest excess risk seen at younger ages, especially before 45.READ MORE: Simple Blood Test Can Predict Dementia Risk in Women 25 Years Before SymptomsWhat Is Alzheimer’s Disease?Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia and mostly affects adults over the age of 65.About 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease. Over seven million people in the US 65 and older live with the condition and over 100,00 die from it annually.Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused by the development of toxic amyloid and beta proteins in the brain, which can accumulate in the brain and damage cells responsible for memory.Amyloid protein molecules stick together in brain cells, forming clumps called plaques. At the same time, tau proteins twist together in fiber-like strands called tangles. The plaques and tangles block the brain's neurons from sending electrical and chemical signals back and forth.Over time, this disruption causes permanent damage in the brain that leads to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, causing patients to lose their ability to speak, care for themselves or even respond to the world around them.While there is no clear cause of Alzheimer's disease, experts believe it can develop due to genetic mutations and lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and social isolation.Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, Alzheimer's disease leads to serious memory loss and affects a person's ability to do everyday tasks.There is no cure for this progressive brain disorder and in advanced stages, loss of brain function can cause dehydration, poor nutrition or infection. These complications can result in death.Can You Detect Alzheimer's Early On?The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a blood test which can help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in adults aged 55 and above.The blood test, known as Lumipulse, can detect amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease and has proven to be a “less invasive option” that “reduces reliance on PET scans and increases diagnosis accessibility.”FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary said of the landmark decision, "Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined."Knowing that 10 percent of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients."It remains unclear when this test will be available for commercial use across the world.

Menopause Can Raise Alzheimer Risk In Women, Neurologist Warns

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Menopause Can Raise Alzheimer Risk In Women, Neurologist Warns

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