Does Menopause increase your chances of getting Alzheimer’s Disease?
Writer: Ylyasova Jennet
Editor: Sara Al-Shoaibi
Introduction
What is menopause? Imagine having trouble sleeping, having hot flashes, being irritable, and having no idea why. This period in a woman’s life is known as the menopausal transition. Menopause starts 12 months after a woman’s last period. The lapse of time between their last period and when they get menopause, is the transition. It usually starts around the age of 45 to 55 years old, and lasts for 7 to 14 years. The span of menopause depends on lifestyle factors, ethnicity, race, etc. Every menopausal transition is different for each woman. Symptoms can range from irregular periods, hot flashes, loss of bladder control, mood changes, weight gain, but most importantly, sleep issues. By digging deeper, we can see that a huge amount of the issues that arise because of menopause come from the discontinued production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that regulate “the development and function of the uterus.” This is also the reason why women turn to hormone treatments to help offset the symptoms of menopause, but might also be the reason for why they have an increased chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Menopause, the end of a woman's monthly periods and fertility, is a biological milestone that can potentially mark a turning point in a woman's brain health as well. That's because new research, supported in large part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health, suggests that women who enter menopause early, at ages 32-49, may have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) [1]. So if this is true, then understanding why menopause increases the chance for AD can be critical to a woman's brain health as she ages.
The Menopause-Alzheimer's Connection: An Overview
The link between menopause and Alzheimer’s disease comes to a crossing point as the hormones in women are altered. One hormone in particular, estrogen, is reduced dramatically in menopause; estrogen may play a critical role in this connection. It has much greater responsibilities beyond reproduction, as it is important in maintaining brain health. However, menopause results in a decline in this hormone, and it is possible that brain cognition could be hindered, thus leaving the woman exposed to Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, more women than men have Alzheimer's disease, and researchers wonder whether the overwhelming hormonal devastation caused by menopause is the cause of this trend. This fresh trail of thought will open new discussions and new knowledge on both menopause and Alzheimer's disease as more studies are conducted.
The Estrogen Dilemma
Though everyone believes estrogen is exclusively linked to reproduction, it is essential for proper brain function as well. Not only does estrogen promote the growth of neurons, but it also provides a protective shield for the brain. When a woman enters menopause, she experiences a dramatic drop in estrogen levels. This loss of estrogen is what I consider the “Estrogen Dilemma”. With the loss of estrogen, the brain loses some of the protection it had, making it more susceptible to aging and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. This is causing many researchers to investigate how the reduction of estrogen affects brain health, which could then be a cause of Alzheimer's or other brain diseases [2]. Alzheimer’s, ‘The Estrogen Dilemma’, isn’t just some normal hormonal imbalance. It simply helps the observer gain more information on one more aspect among the intricate aspects involving Alzheimer’s disease in women. Unfinished, menopause is not just considered infertility anymore, but also cognitive health.
Studies & Findings
The interesting link of menopause to Alzheimer's disease has been examined by numerous scientific investigations. A major study was done by the University of Arizona, in which research unveiled that by post-menopause and some surgeries like hysterectomies, there is an increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s in the future. Evidence was provided by a study in 2018 published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. According to researchers, women with surgical menopause are more vulnerable to things such as cognitive decline and memory loss, which increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease [3]. These studies not only verify the correlation between the hormonal fluctuations during menopause and Alzheimer’s disease, but they also emphasize the imperative requirement of investigating this subject further in order to combat this devastating disease.
As the one responsible for the results obtained, it is possible to say that the project was successful. The purpose was achieved. We were able to demonstrate the importance of hormone replacement in the area of brain health. The project posed other unanswered questions regarding age as an etiology in neurodegenerative diseases. This study's role is to investigate the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's in females. There is a clear relationship that needs exploration between hormones, mental health, and the balance of the brain.
Real Life Cases
The potential connection between the two is not just found behind closed laboratory doors among researchers and test animals; it is also something that can be seen in everyday life. Many women report experiences similar to early Alzheimer’s during the menopause transition when memory and concentration may become problematic, and this has given rise to the term “brain fog,” according to News Medical.
Similarly, Romani has worked with women whose lives changed dramatically in the years after menopause. Some of these women developed problems typical of Alzheimer’s disease since going through early menopause. More clearly, women who underwent early menopause in their 40s showed typical Alzheimer's disease symptoms when they're supposed to appear once the patient hits their 60s. These women were then diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a mere 20 years later. [4].
While this is not absolute proof, it contributes to evidence suggesting menopause may play into one's risk of developing Alzheimer's. These true stories underscore the importance of knowing what “normal” is for you, regular checkups, and a proactive attitude toward brain health during and after menopause.
Expert Opinions
Many doctors are talking about how menopause might be linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Look at the importance of the menopause period for Alzheimer’s prevention, hence Dr. Lisa Mosconi, who heads the Women’s Brain Initiative at Weill Cornell Medical College. Equally important, Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton, an incredible individual known for her pioneering research in Alzheimer’s disease, provides the same meaning. For example, Brinton stated estrogen levels decline during menopause, possibly making women more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease [6]. The conclusions of all these professionals could be extremely influential if applied in a more holistic view. If more women’s health professionals took a more holistic approach concerning women’s health problems, women in our generation could benefit. Many other professionals feel that if some women would take sex hormone replacement drugs (memory drugs), it could help too. Insights from these specialists shed light on the need to connect these hormonal changes with women’s cognitive health, as well as the importance of taking preventive measures during this key phase of life.
Coping Strategies
Taking a proactive approach toward the possible connection between Alzheimer’s and menopause is highly recommended, including strategies designed to keep the brain healthy. Rather than doing one thing, it is often recommended that basic lifestyle potential changes be put in place: a holistic approach. In the same light, physical activity can also play a crucial role in brain strength. Exercise boosts brain health by increasing blood flow and cell growth in the brain. Eating a well-rounded meal that includes plenty of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can aid in shielding and/or slowing the decline of your brain. Make sleep a top priority; it can enhance your brain’s ability to regenerate and repair itself.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, there are also certain medical approaches that may provide some benefit. For instance, using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the first few years of menopause has been proposed as a strategy for reducing Alzheimer’s risk. This is controversial: while some studies have suggested that HRT has benefits for the brain – and it is important to remember that your brain is only a part of you – it has major side effects and risks; accordingly, the overall decision is down to the individual’s health. If HRT is an approach you consider, you must consult a doctor who can help you to make an informed choice about whether your age and health profile suggest you are likely to benefit [5].
In conclusion, women have a lot of technology to maintain a healthy brain during and after menopause, including medical talents. I think a woman has the right to do what’s best for her because she knows her body the best.
With the evidence we have now in terms of research, expert opinion, and anecdotes, it may seem likely that menopause does, in fact, have a correlation to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Works Cited:
New York Times, “Do Hormone Treatments for Menopause Increase Dementia Risk?”, Accessed 14 February. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/10/well/live/hormone-therapy-menopause-dementia-alzheimers.html
Hong, Julia. Health, “Could Menopause Explain Why Alzheimer's Disease Is More Common in Women?”, Accessed 14 February. https://www.health.com/condition/alzheimers/menopause-alzheimers-disease-risk#:~:text=Natural%20levels%20of%20estrogen%20and,Alzheimer's%20disease%20and%20other%20dementias.
Jamshed N, Ozair FF, Aggarwal P, Ekka M. Alzheimer disease in post-menopausal women: Intervene in the critical window period. J Midlife Health. Accessed 14 February. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955045/
Yoo JE, Shin DW, Han K, Kim D, Won HS, Lee J, Kim SY, Nam GE, Park HS. Female reproductive factors and the risk of dementia: a nationwide cohort study. Eur J Neurol. Accessed 14 February. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32396982/
Pourhadi N, Mørch L S, Holm E A, Torp-Pedersen C, Meaidi A. Menopausal hormone therapy and dementia: nationwide, nested case-control study BMJ 2023; Accessed 14 February. https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj-2022-072770
Sloneker, Wendy. Gennev, Menopause, Alzheimer’s, & Retirement | Dr. Lisa Mosconi, part 1; Accessed 14 February. https://www.gennev.com/education/lisa-mosconi-alzheimers-estrogen
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