Home / Health / HRT May Cut Dementia Risk, Study Finds
HRT May Cut Dementia Risk, Study Finds
3 Sep
Summary
- Hormone therapy linked to 10% lower dementia risk over 13 years.
- Benefit strongest when HRT starts between ages 46 and 56.
- Study highlights need for more research into HRT and dementia.
A recent study analyzing data from over 183,000 postmenopausal women indicates a potential link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a reduced risk of dementia.
Researchers observed a roughly 10% decrease in all-cause dementia and a 16% decrease in Alzheimer's disease over a 13-year period among HRT users. This association was most significant for women initiating HRT between the ages of 46 and 56, and those who had undergone surgical menopause.
However, the study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, is observational and cannot prove cause and effect. Experts note that findings may not apply universally due to demographic factors and the lack of detailed HRT usage information.
While the results are promising, they do not warrant seeking HRT solely for dementia prevention. Medical professionals advise women experiencing menopausal symptoms to discuss HRT with their doctors, considering its known risks and benefits.
Further randomized controlled trials are planned to confirm these findings and explore various HRT types, dosages, and initiation ages.
