Menopause timing and HRT linked to cognitive health and dementia risk

Recent research highlights a significant link between the timing of menopause and long-term neurological health. A longitudinal study published in JAMA Women's Health indicates that an earlier age at menopause is associated with faster cognitive decline, earlier Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, and specific changes in brain volume.

Complementary findings from a study of over 180,000 UK Biobank participants suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may mitigate some of these risks. Women who utilized HRT for at least one year showed a 10% lower risk of developing dementia and a 16% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to those who did not.

The benefits of HRT appear most pronounced for specific groups, including women who experienced early menopause due to surgical intervention, those with an Alzheimer's gene, and those with lower lifetime estrogen exposure. Researchers noted that starting HRT during the menopause transition phase, typically between ages 46 and 56, is most strongly linked to long-term brain health benefits.