It’s estimated that around 80% of women experience some symptoms during menopause. These symptoms might do more than just inconvenience daily life; research suggests that they could influence brain health and even raise the risk of dementia later on.
Recent findings from a study at the University of Calgary, published in PLOS One, support this link. Researchers studied nearly 900 postmenopausal women who were part of the CAN-PROTECT study, which aimed to investigate health and quality of life in aging. The women shared details about their menopausal symptoms, while their cognitive abilities were assessed using specific scales designed for everyday cognition and behavioral health.
The results were eye-opening: those with more severe menopausal symptoms often scored higher on tests that indicate cognitive decline. This means that as symptoms increased, so did issues with memory and other cognitive functions.
Dr. Zahinoor Ismail, the lead author of the study, expressed the significance of these findings. He noted, “We need to consider not just cognitive changes, but also shifts in mood, social interactions, and personality that may arise after menopause.” This underscores the complex effects of menopause beyond just physical symptoms.
Interestingly, the study also indicated that hormone therapy might play a role in mitigating some cognitive problems associated with menopause. Although hormone therapy didn’t significantly change cognitive function, it was linked to fewer symptoms of mild behavioral impairment, a condition that could signal early dementia risk. Dr. Ismail pointed out that participants who used estrogen-based therapy showed lower levels of cognitive impairment.
Dr. Alexa Fiffick, a family medicine physician specializing in menopause, added to the conversation by referencing previous research. It shows that even when women don’t feel hot flashes, these vasomotor symptoms are still connected to increased cognitive issues. She believes that these symptoms might contribute to changes in the brain that resemble those seen in vascular dementia.
While this study offers valuable insights, it does have limitations. It provides a snapshot of the women’s health at one point in time rather than tracking changes over the years. Therefore, it can suggest associations but cannot confirm direct causes between menopausal symptoms and brain health. Future studies should follow participants long-term and include hormone levels and other biological markers that could provide deeper understanding.
Furthermore, the researchers recognized that they focused primarily on the most commonly reported menopausal symptoms. There may be over 30 symptoms associated with menopause, and a more comprehensive approach would consider this wider range of experiences.
Tamsen Fadal, a menopause expert, highlighted the importance of these findings. She noted that brain scans have revealed structural changes in the brains of menopausal women. The symptoms are not merely a phase of aging but rather represent significant changes that need attention. There’s growing awareness that brain fog, memory issues, and mood fluctuations are part of a broader neurological shift during menopause, not just hormonal changes.
As more studies emerge, the hope is for better understanding of how to manage these symptoms effectively, paving the way for better long-term health outcomes for women facing menopause.
Check out this related article: Five Years Post-COVID-19: Key Insights from Humboldt County Health Leaders on Pandemic Lessons Learned
Source linkWomen's Health,Health,dementia,health department,public health,research,women,women's issues
