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Study reveals menopause-related brain alterations
A large UK investigation has identified brain changes during menopause that mirror those observed in Alzheimer's disease, potentially shedding light on why women face a higher dementia risk than men.
Key findings from brain scans
The research, published in Psychological Medicine, analyzed MRI scans from 11,000 women out of nearly 125,000 participants. It detected a reduction in grey matter-critical for memory and emotional processing-in regions commonly affected by Alzheimer's.
Grey matter consists of neuron cell bodies and their connecting dendrites, while white matter comprises long axons that transmit signals across the brain and spinal cord.
HRT shows no protective effect
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), often prescribed for menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and sleep disturbances, did not prevent grey matter loss in the study. Researchers noted that women using HRT were more likely to report poor mental health, though many had pre-existing conditions before starting treatment.
"The brain regions affected are those vulnerable to Alzheimer's. Menopause may increase susceptibility later in life, contributing to the higher dementia rates in women."
Prof Barbara Sahakian, University of Cambridge
Expert reactions and unanswered questions
Dr Christelle Langley, a co-researcher, emphasized the need for greater awareness of menopause's mental health challenges. "Women should feel comfortable discussing their experiences and seeking support," she said.
Prof Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London highlighted ongoing debates about HRT's impact on brain health, noting that past studies, including the Women's Health Initiative, left key questions unresolved. "This issue affects millions of women and warrants further research," he added.
Dementia risk and preventive measures
Michelle Dyson from the Alzheimer's Society pointed out that women account for roughly two-thirds of UK Alzheimer's cases. While hormones are suspected to play a role, the study's lack of long-term tracking means it remains unclear whether menopause-related brain changes directly increase dementia risk.
Dyson recommended lifestyle adjustments-such as regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol-to reduce dementia risk.
