Statistically twice as many women as men get Alzheimer’s and that’s not just because they live longer, according to studies in both Asia and the West. A recent European meta- analysis of trials showed that 1.3% of women will develop Alzheimer’s as compared to only 0 .7% of men.
A March paper in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology looked at women who had long periods of hot flashes, which are normally linked to lower estrogen levels. The researchers found that these women had an increase in beta-amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease – not good news.
How Estrogen Affects Brain Function
It’s no surprise that hormones can affect our brains—just think about how many of us experience mood swings during our menstrual cycles or the “baby blues” after childbirth.
Specifically, estradiol (E2), the main form of oestrogen in premenopausal women, plays three important roles in brain health:
- Stimulating Neuron Growth: Estradiol helps promote the growth of neurons, which are essential for forming new connections in the brain.
- Protecting Neurons: It acts as a protective shield for neurons, helping to keep them healthy.
- Interacting with Neurotransmitters:
Our brains thrive on balance, and the hormonal ups and downs during perimenopause can disrupt this harmony, potentially leading to the formation of brain pathology – tangles and plaques that are precursors to Alzheimer’s disease.
The good news is that administering estrogen can help prevent this and also lower FSH levels, as discussed below. Studies suggest that starting hormone therapy as early as perimenopause may provide the most significant benefits in preventing cognitive decline. The reasons for this are two-fold: firstly, because this is when all the hormone swings are taking place and so it’s important to smooth out these fluctuations at this time. Secondly, because Alzheimer’s in the brain takes 10 to 20 years to form, and therefore the earlier it’s prevented, the better.
When it comes to hormone therapy, women have options, including transdermal (through the skin) or bioidentical hormones. I’ve been prescribing identical hormones for 20 years now, un believe it’s the gold standard. I’m not convinced that synthetic oestrogens similar to the contraceptive pill are good for all the women, so I choose to use other treatments .
It’s really important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks, your family history, and any individual risk factors. Genetic testing and regular blood tests can also help you make informed decisions about hormone therapy. In conclusion, any steps we can take to ease the challenges women face during menopause and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease are definitely worth exploring!
If you’re interested in learning more about your options, please feel free to schedule an appointment, either in person or online.
For any questions, you can reach us via WhatsApp: 94563881 or email at manager@drsusanjamieson.com. We’re here to help!
Ongoing Research
Researchers have suggested several strategies to help mitigate cognitive decline during menopause. For instance, in 2000, hormone researchers Maki and Resnik discovered that taking estrogen could increase blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for memory. We also know that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which rises during menopause, is linked to weight gain and bone loss (osteoporosis). Researchers Mone Zaidi and Keqiang Ye found that high levels of FSH in mice were associated with increased Alzheimer-like changes in the brain, including beta-amyloid deposits. This has sparked ongoing research into blocking FSH as a potential treatment. We will wait and see what comes out of this!
If you’re interested in learning more about your options, please feel free to schedule an appointment, either in person or online.
For any questions, you can reach us via WhatsApp:94563881 or email at manager@drsusanjamieson.com We’re here to help!