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August 15, 2024
A recent study published in the journal Menopause has highlighted a concerning connection between severe menopause symptoms and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women. The research, which involved nearly 1,300 late-postmenopausal women from nine Latin American countries, suggests that severe symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders may be linked to cognitive impairment.
Globally, dementia is a pressing issue, with over 24 million people living with the condition. As the global population ages, dementia diagnoses are on the rise, with an estimated 4.6 million new cases reported each year—equating to one person being diagnosed every 7 seconds. By 2040, the number of dementia cases is expected to double, reaching 81.1 million worldwide.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director for The Menopause Society, emphasized the study’s findings, stating, “This study showed a potential link between severe menopause symptoms and cognitive impairment in midlife women.” The research also suggests that factors such as a lower body mass index, higher educational level, physical exercise, hormone therapy use, and sexual activity may offer some protective effects on cognitive function.
The study raises important questions about whether treating severe menopause symptoms with hormone therapy or other approved treatments could potentially improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, and executive function. However, this potential benefit remains uncertain and requires further investigation.
Medical experts point out that 40 percent of Alzheimer’s disease cases, the most common form of dementia, can be prevented or delayed through targeted interventions. This has sparked significant interest in understanding the role of estradiol, a form of estrogen, in female cognitive aging. Given that menopause is characterized by a decline in estrogen levels, postmenopausal women are considered to be at an increased risk for dementia.
The study underscores the complex interplay between hormonal, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors in influencing cognitive health. As researchers continue to explore these connections, there is a growing emphasis on developing targeted strategies to protect and preserve cognitive function in menopausal women.
