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New Study Finds Higher Menopausal Symptom Burden Associated with Cognitive and Behavioral Decline
A new study published in PLOS One suggests that women who experience more menopausal symptoms may have a higher risk of developing cognitive and behavioral impairments later in life—both of which are considered markers of dementia. The study, conducted by Zahinoor Ismail and colleagues from the University of Calgary, Canada, examined data from 896 postmenopausal women as part of the ongoing CAN-PROTECT study.
Key Findings
Researchers analyzed self-reported menopausal symptoms and their potential long-term effects on cognitive and behavioral health. The participants, with an average age of 64.2 years and an average menopause onset age of 49.4 years, completed demographic, cognitive, and behavioral assessments.
The study found that women who reported a higher number of perimenopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and forgetfulness, exhibited greater cognitive impairment and mild behavioral impairment symptoms in mid-to-late life.
- Women with more menopausal symptoms had significantly higher cognitive impairment scores (b [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 5.37 [2.85, 7.97]).
- They also had higher mild behavioral impairment scores (b [95% CI] = 6.09 [2.50, 9.80]).
- Hormone therapy was not significantly associated with cognitive function but was linked to fewer behavioral symptoms.
Implications and Future Research
The researchers suggest that a greater menopausal symptom burden may serve as an early indicator of susceptibility to cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric issues. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings, ideally through long-term studies that can establish causality. Additionally, accounting for confounding factors such as the age of menopause onset and surgical menopause interventions could provide deeper insights.
The study highlights the potential role of estrogen-based hormone therapy in mitigating behavioral symptoms, although its impact on cognitive function remains unclear. The authors conclude, “Greater menopausal symptom burden may be associated with greater cognitive and behavioral decline in later life, both risk markers of dementia.”
Disclaimer
While this study presents important insights, it is based on observational data and does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between menopausal symptoms and cognitive decline. Women concerned about their cognitive health should consult medical professionals for personalized advice and consider evidence-based strategies for brain health and well-being.
For more information, refer to the full study: Crockford JFE, et al. Menopausal symptom burden as a predictor of mid- to late-life cognitive function and mild behavioral impairment symptoms: A CAN-PROTECT study, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301165
