Menopause linked to Alzheimer’s-like brain changes

Menopause is linked to brain changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, according to a large study from the United Kingdom.

Researchers think that loss of gray matter in areas related to memory and emotion may partly explain why women are at greater risk of dementia overall than men.

The findings come from nearly 125,000 women, 11,000 of whom had MRI brain scans.

In the study published in the journal Psychological MedicineIt was observed that the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not prevent gray matter loss.

Senior author Prof. from the University of Cambridge. Barbara Sahakian said: “The brain regions where we see these differences are the regions that tend to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

“Menopause may make these women even more vulnerable. While it’s not the full story, it may help explain why we see almost twice as many cases of dementia in women than in men.”

Brain changes occurred when:

• The region that plays an important role in learning and memory: Hippocampus
• entorhinal cortex, a region necessary for memory formation and spatial navigation
• Part that helps regulate attention and emotions – anterior cingulate cortex

White matter and gray matter are important parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Gray matter consists of neuronal cell bodies and their dendrites (short projections that communicate with nearby neurons).

White matter consists of long neuron axons that transmit impulses to more distant parts of the brain and spinal cord.

According to NHS guidelines, HRT may be considered for menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems and hot flashes.

Researchers say there is limited understanding of the effects of menopause and HRT use on the brain, memory and mood.

The study found that women using HRT were more likely to experience mental health problems. But many of these people were already in poorer mental health before they were prescribed the drug.

Co-researcher Dr Christelle Langley said it was important to recognize the various challenges that can come with menopause.

“We all need to be more sensitive about not only the physical but also the mental health of women during menopause.

“There should be no shame in telling others about what you are going through and asking for help.”

Michelle Dyson, from the Alzheimer’s Association, said women make up around two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the UK.

“And although we still don’t fully understand why they are more sensitive than men, it is thought that hormones may play a role,” he said.

“This large study adds to the evidence showing how menopause affects the brain, including physical changes such as loss of brain volume.

“But without long-term follow-up of participants to check whether they develop dementia later, we cannot be sure that these brain changes associated with menopause also increase the risk of dementia.”

Getting regular exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of dementia, he said.