What brain changes are linked to menopause in the UK study?

The study linked menopause to a loss of grey matter in brain areas associated with memory and emotion.

Does HRT prevent grey matter loss during menopause?

The study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not appear to prevent grey matter loss.

Why might women have a higher risk of dementia than men, according to the study?

Researchers speculate that the loss of grey matter in memory and emotion areas during menopause might partly explain why women are generally at greater risk of dementia.

Home / Health / Menopause Linked to Brain Changes Like Alzheimer's

Menopause Linked to Brain Changes Like Alzheimer's

27 Jan

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Summary

Menopause linked to grey matter loss in memory and emotion areas.
Study suggests link to higher dementia risk in women vs men.
HRT did not prevent grey matter loss in the study.
Nearly 125,000 women participated in the large UK study.
11,000 women had MRI brain scans for the research.

Menopause Linked to Brain Changes Like Alzheimer's

A significant UK study has revealed a connection between menopause and brain alterations comparable to those found in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers noted a reduction in grey matter volume within brain regions responsible for memory and emotional processing.

This observed grey matter loss is speculated to contribute to the increased susceptibility women generally experience regarding dementia compared to men. The research examined data from almost 125,000 women, including MRI scans from 11,000 participants.

Published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the study's findings indicated that the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not seem to mitigate the decline in grey matter. These results highlight a potential neurobiological aspect of menopause.