Hormone Therapy Does Not Prevent Alzheimer’s After Menopause
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The review examined ten studies involving more than one million women and assessed whether the timing, duration or type of hormone therapy affected the risk of dementia or cognitive decline.
Researchers found no clear evidence that hormone therapy reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The combined findings also did not show a definite increase in dementia risk among all women who used the treatment.
However, the researchers cautioned that hormone therapies are not identical and may affect women differently depending on their age, medical history, treatment type and the time at which therapy is started.
Previous research has suggested that beginning certain forms of combined hormone therapy after the age of 65 may be associated with a higher risk of dementia. Doctors therefore do not recommend starting hormone therapy later in life solely to protect memory or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Women who experience premature menopause or undergo surgical removal of the ovaries may require a different medical assessment. Hormone replacement can provide other health benefits in these cases, although evidence that it prevents Alzheimer’s remains insufficient.
The primary purpose of menopausal hormone therapy continues to be the relief of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and vaginal discomfort. Treatment decisions should be based on an individual assessment of potential benefits and risks.
The review also warns women against starting or stopping hormone therapy because of claims shared on social media. Decisions should instead be made with a healthcare professional who can consider the woman’s age, symptoms, medical history and personal risk factors.
The findings do not mean hormone therapy has no value. It can remain an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms in appropriately selected women, but it should not be presented as a proven method of preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
