Sun Mar 9, 2025 12:00 AM
Last update on: Sun Mar 9, 2025 12:00 AM
Sun Mar 9, 2025 12:00 AM Last update on: Sun Mar 9, 2025 12:00 AM
Menopause brings a range of physical and emotional changes, but new research suggests its impact may extend beyond immediate symptoms. A study published in PLOS One found that women who experience more menopausal symptoms may be at a higher risk of cognitive decline and behavioural impairments later in life—both considered early markers of dementia.
The study, led by Zahinoor Ismail of the University of Calgary, analysed data from 896 postmenopausal women participating in the CAN-PROTECT study. Participants, with an average age of 64.2 years, reported menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and forgetfulness. Researchers found that a greater symptom burden was associated with poorer cognitive function and increased behavioural impairments in mid- to late life. Women with more symptoms had higher ECog-II scores (indicating cognitive impairment) and MBI-C scores (suggesting behavioural changes).
While hormone therapy was not significantly linked to cognitive function, it was associated with fewer behavioural symptoms. Given that women face a threefold higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, understanding the long-term effects of menopause on brain health is crucial.
The authors emphasise the need for further research to confirm these findings, ideally through long-term studies that consider factors like age at menopause and surgical menopause. They conclude that greater menopausal symptom burden may signal a higher risk of later cognitive and behavioural decline, with oestrogen-based hormone therapy potentially offering some protection against behavioural symptoms.
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