Early Menopause HRT Could Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Women

Quick Summary

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Starting HRT within five years of menopause onset is linked to a lower risk of AlzheimerS disease,but initiating it later may increase risk.
• Gender Differences in Risk: Women are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s after menopause due to declining oestrogen levels, which impact brain energy production and inflammation regulation.
• Study Details:

– Analysis covered 53 studies with over 8.4 million participants, all post-menopausal.
– Randomised-controlled trials showed a 38% higher Alzheimer’s risk with HRT use, while observational studies indicated a 22% lower risk for those on HRT.
– Starting HRT within five years of menopause was associated with a 32% reduced Alzheimer’s risk in long-term follow-ups.

• Expert Commentary: Timing is critical; initiating HRT early may prevent neurodegeneration caused by the brain adapting to low oestrogen levels during menopause. Late initiation might not reverse these effects.

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