AI Generated Image
The midlife milestone linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk in women
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Women account for about two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease cases, with menopause timing identified as a key factor influencing risk.
- A study of over 2,600 women found that earlier menopause is linked to faster brain aging and earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis, associated with changes in white matter responsible for memory and learning.
- White matter deterioration begins during menopause, reducing cognitive protection, and factors like comorbidities, pregnancy history, and medications may also impact Alzheimer’s risk.
- Hormone therapy, particularly estrogen-only treatment, has been associated with a 35% lower lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s in women.
- Surgical menopause causes abrupt hormonal changes that may negatively affect cognitive function, but the precise role of estrogen in preventing Alzheimer’s progression remains unclear.
