Women using HRT at lower risk of dementia, study suggests
Scientists found those who had used hormone replacement therapy were 10% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia Hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of dementia, a study has found. Scientists tracked more than 180,000 postmenopausal women in the UK in the largest study of its kind. They found that those who had used HRT were 10% less likely to develop any type of dementia and 16%…
A recent study suggests that women using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have a lower risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 180,000 postmenopausal women in the UK and discovered that those who had used HRT were 10% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia overall, and 16% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form. The greatest reduction in risk was seen in women using HRT who had undergone surgical menopause, with a 26% lower risk compared to non-users.
Prof Anne-Marie Minihane, who led the study at the University of East Anglia, noted that while HRT is typically prescribed to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, this research indicates it may also contribute to long-term cognitive health for some women. The study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, involved tracking 183,450 postmenopausal women for an average of 13 years, identifying nearly 4,000 cases of dementia during that period.
Minihane explained that the study aimed to understand how HRT could prevent dementia and whether certain groups of women might respond differently. Women who naturally had lower estrogen exposure during their lifetime, due to factors like starting menstruation later or experiencing early menopause, appeared to benefit more from HRT, with a 16% lower risk of any type of dementia.
Additionally, genetics played a role, as the associations between HRT use and dementia were stronger in women carrying the Apoe4 gene variant, which is known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
The study used data from the UK Biobank and accounted for various socioeconomic factors, but it is important to note that the findings are based on observational data, not a randomized controlled trial, meaning a causal link cannot be definitively established. Dr Susan Kohlhaas from Alzheimer's Research UK emphasized that while the study provides valuable evidence, further research is needed to determine whether HRT itself is responsible for these differences in dementia risk and to identify which forms of HRT may be effective.
Anyone considering starting or discontinuing HRT should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks based on individual circumstances.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- HRT linked to lower dementia risk in large UK study medicalxpress.com
