Menopause age linked to long-term brain health and cognitive decline

New scientific research published in JAMA Network Open suggests that the age at which menopause begins may influence long-term brain health. A study following 2,603 women for up to 18 years found that those who experienced menopause at an earlier age showed a slightly faster decline in certain cognitive functions, such as episodic memory.

Researchers also noted a correlation between early menopause and an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. On a population level, it was estimated that women reaching menopause ten years earlier presented approximately 1.8 fewer years without an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Brain imaging in a subset of participants showed alterations in white matter, which is linked to issues with attention, organization, and information processing speed.

Separately, health experts emphasize that menopause should not be viewed as a disease or synonymous with aging, but rather as a natural biological transition. Kaiti Antonopoulou, General Secretary of the Hellenic Menopause Society, notes that while hormonal changes can cause symptoms like sleep disturbances and mood swings, menopause is a normal phase of life that occurs typically between ages 45 and 55.