Women and Dementia: Understanding the Risk During Menopause:

Women undergoing menopause often face various physical and emotional challenges. A study by the University of Calgary, Canada, suggests that severe menopausal symptoms significantly increase the risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 896 menopausal women, revealing a strong link between menopause-related symptoms and cognitive decline.

Study Overview: 896 Women Analyzed

The study collected self-reported data from women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. Their cognitive functions were assessed using the Everyday Cognition Scale and the Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) Checklist. Women with more severe menopausal symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests, indicating potential long-term health risks.

Menopause Symptoms and Behavioral Changes

The findings, published in the Public Library of Science One journal, indicate that menopause-related symptoms are associated with mild behavioral impairment (MBI). MBI is increasingly recognized as an early sign of dementia, highlighting the need to monitor not just cognitive abilities but also changes in mood, social interactions, and personality after menopause.

Hormone Therapy and Cognitive Health

While hormone therapy did not show a direct impact on cognitive function, the study found a significant link between hormone therapy and fewer MBI symptoms. Women who used estrogen-based hormone therapy during perimenopause reported lower levels of behavioral impairment, suggesting potential benefits for brain health.

Study Limitations: Cross-Sectional Research

The study was cross-sectional, meaning it provided a snapshot of data rather than tracking long-term changes. This means it cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between menopause symptoms and cognitive decline. However, the research reinforces the idea that menopause is not only a hormonal transition but also a neurological shift.