Women who experience a greater number of symptoms during the menopause are more likely to develop memory problems and mild behavioural issues in the future, a study suggests.
Research has already shown that women have a three-fold greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to men.
To try and find out what could be contributing to this, experts analysed data on 896 post-menopausal women who completed demographic, cognitive and behavioural assessments.
They were asked to record their menopausal symptoms including irregular periods, hot flushes, chills, vaginal dryness, weight gain, slowed metabolism, night sweats, sleep problems, mood symptoms, inattention or forgetfulness, or anything else.
Cognitive function was measured using a scale which assesses changes in memory, language, visual-spatial and perceptual abilities, planning, organisation, and executive function.
In addition, neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated using a checklist which focuses on emotional and behavioural changes.
Analysis revealed that women who reported a greater number of symptoms scored worse on cognitive tests and were more likely to show signs of neuropsychiatric issues as they aged.
The researchers said the loss of the hormone oestrogen — which plummets during the menopause — could explain the link.
Women were asked to record their menopausal symptoms including irregular periods, hot flushes, chills, vaginal dryness, weight gain, slowed metabolism, night sweats, sleep problems, mood symptoms, inattention or forgetfulness, or anything else
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is often used to manage menopause symptoms, was found to be linked with fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms in later life though it did not seem to have the same effect on cognitive function.
The team, which consisted of researchers from the University of Calgary in the US and the University of Exeter, are now calling for more studies to investigate this link and whether it could form part of an early ‘alert’ for dementia.
They also want to look further into whether taking HRT could help to mitigate any risk.
Professor Anne Corbett, from the University of Exeter, said: ‘Changes in cognitive function are part of the normal aging process and are often nothing to worry about.
‘However, we know that Alzheimer’s disease starts long before diagnosis and identifying the earliest factors influencing its progression is crucial to helping people access the best treatment and support.
‘This study suggests that the menopausal phase could be an important period for assessing dementia risk.
‘However, it’s important to note that dementia risk involves many different factors.
‘It’s difficult to know at this stage how much of an effect menopausal symptoms really have, and more research is needed before we can say for certain whether menopause severity should be considered a major risk factor.
Around 900,000 Brits are currently thought to have the memory-robbing disorder. But University College London scientists estimate this will rise to 1.7million within two decades as people live longer. It marks a 40 per cent uptick on the previous forecast in 2017
‘What we do know is the best way to reduce our risk of dementia is to stay physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and to manage other medical conditions.’
Dr Zahinoor Ismail, from the University of Calgary, said it is ‘fascinating’ that there appears to be a link between a woman’s experience during the menopause and subsequent changes in cognition and behaviour.
‘People should know menopause and Alzheimer’s disease are linked and that earlier consideration of dementia risk can allow time for more preventative interventions,’ he said.
‘These interventions not only include addressing hormonal status, but also comprise managing vascular risk factors, reducing inflammation from Western diet and environmental toxins, optimising gut health and gut biome diversity, and supporting social interactions.’
Commenting on the study Aimee Spector, a professor of clinical psychology of ageing at University College London, said there could be ‘many possible reasons’ why women with more menopause symptoms may experience cognitive changes, such as depression or physical health conditions.
‘I don’t think that the study can tell us anything about menopause symptoms and the risk of dementia, as subjective cognitive complaints do not imply that the person has or will get dementia,’ she added.
Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said the research ‘adds to our understanding of how menopause may relate to brain health for women in later life’.
Although it ‘does not show that these women are more likely to go on to develop dementia’.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The disease can cause anxiety, confusion and short-term memory loss
‘Dementia is caused by diseases in the brain and while menopause could play a role in our brain health, we need more research to understand if and how this influences dementia risk,’ she added.
‘Some symptoms of menopause, like ‘brain fog’ or forgetfulness, are similar to early dementia symptoms.
‘Long-term studies will be key to determining whether menopause-related changes have lasting implications and whether interventions like hormone replacement therapy could play a protective role.
‘With women making up two-thirds of people in the UK living with dementia, it is crucial that we invest in research that explores why women are more at risk of developing the condition.’
The findings were published in the journal Plos One.
