How Menopause Symptoms May Signal Future Brain Health Issues
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, and usually, it brings symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While these physical things are often talked about, new research highlights that it can also affect brain health and may even be an early sign of dementia.
According to a recent article in PLOS One, there was a clear association between the number of symptoms women experience and the likelihood of being diagnosed with cognitive and behavioral problems years down the road. Many of these issues for women years later may be early signs of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
What the Study on Menopause and Cognitive Decline Revealed
The study followed 896 postmenopausal women in Canada and considered menopause symptoms of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbance, and mood changes, among other menopause symptoms.
Besides menopause symptoms, researchers assessed behavioral disturbances, memory loss, and other cognitive impairment symptoms. The findings revealed a clear connection between symptom severity and cognitive decline. Women who had more menopause symptoms experienced more behavior issues and poorer cognitive functioning later in midlife or late life.
Dr. Zahinoor Ismail, a primary researcher with the University of Calgary, made clear: “Each additional menopause symptom was associated with decreased cognitive function and increased severity of mild behavioral impairment symptoms.” Although it doesn’t demonstrate a causal relationship, the evidence suggests a possible relationship between menopause hormone changes and cognitive decline.
This illustrates how concerns are mounting among clinicians about the importance of estrogen in promoting brain health. Although the research shows that more menopause symptoms may be associated with cognitive challenges, hope exists that hormone therapy will mitigate some of these effects. In the study, estrogen-based hormone therapy was noted to not greatly improve cognitive symptoms; however, it did improve slightly on behavioral deficits.
Can Hormone Therapy Prevent Dementia?
Experts say the outcome remains uncertain. “The evidence isn’t strong enough yet to say that hormone therapy is associated with a reduced risk of dementia,” says Dr. Matthew Panizzon, associate professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego. “Neuroprotective effects are hypothesized for the reproductive hormones, such as estrogen, and a decline in estrogen, such as in menopause, may lead to an increase in risk of dementia,” says Panizzon. “But again, the evidence isn’t conclusive.”
While the study refers to the potential influence of hormones, it also states that a healthy lifestyle is the secret to maintaining our brain health. Officials suggest less stress, a balanced and nutritional diet, and plenty of exercise to maintain heart health.
The Role of Lifestyle in Protecting Brain Health
Dr. G. Peter Gliebus, an expert in cognitive and behavioral neurology, refers to the close link between brain function and heart health. “Regular aerobic exercise is more beneficial for blood flow to the brain and for building cognitive reserve,” he said. “A well-balanced nutrient-rich diet such as the Mediterranean or MIND diet, can lead to less inflammation and healthier brain”
Furthermore, Dr. Ismail suggests that women suffering from moderate to severe menopausal symptoms should be evaluated by a physician. Good symptom management with hormone therapy, or with a variety of approaches, can provide substantial quality-of-life benefits.
The relationship between menopause and a decline in cognitive function is a field of research that is still unfolding. While we are still figuring out how the connections work, the evidence suggests that managing menopause symptoms may be one part of a system of factors that helps reduce the risk of developing dementia.
It is recommended that women talk with their healthcare provider in the context of managing their symptoms as they grow older and take steps toward a brain-healthy lifestyle.
