EARLY menopause increases Alzheimer’s disease risk, a study shows.
The earlier women experience the change, the likelier they are to develop the memory-robbing condition, US researchers found.
And the longer between starting menopause and beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the higher the chances.
Researchers said women who took the vital medication five years after starting menopause had larger amounts of tau in their brain — a protein associated with the condition.
Dr JoAnn Manson, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said: “When it comes to hormone therapy, timing is everything.”
Dr Rachel Buckley, of Massachusetts General Hospital, said: “HRT is the most reliable way to ameliorate severe menopause symptoms.
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“But over the last few decades, there has been a lack of clarity on how HRT affects the brain.
“That tau may underlie the association between late hormone therapy and Alzheimer’s disease was a huge finding, something that hadn’t been seen before.”
Around twice as many women develop Alzheimer’s as men, with around 944,000 people currently living with the deadly condition in Britain.
It is thought to be caused by build-ups of proteins in the brain, including tau and amyloid.
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Menopause usually starts in the mid-40s but around one in 20 women start prematurely before the age of 45.
The Sun's Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign has been pushing for better access to HRT, which helps reduce symptoms of the change.
Previous studies have shown HRT can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in some women.
The latest research, published in JAMA Neurology, looked at how when menopause and HRT starts affects the risk of the condition.
Researchers analysed brain scans of 292 adults who did not have dementia to see how amyloid and tau had built up in their brain.
What are the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
In the early stages, the main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory lapses.
For example, someone with early Alzheimer's disease may:
- forget about recent conversations or events
- misplace items
- forget the names of places and objects
- have trouble thinking of the right word
- ask questions repetitively
- show poor judgement or find it harder to make decisions
- become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things
There are often signs of mood changes, such as increasing anxiety or agitation, or periods of confusion.
Source: The NHS
Women had higher levels of tau compared to men of the same age and those who went through menopause earlier had higher amounts of both proteins.
Levels were higher in parts of the brain linked to memory, which is known to be involved in Alzheimer’s.
Women who had HRT at least five years after the menopause also had greater amounts.
Dr Sara Imarisio, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “While we understand news like this can seem concerning, this study doesn’t show that hormone therapy causes Alzheimer’s.
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“Hormone therapy provides important benefits to many women, helping to combat the symptoms that menopause can bring.
“Women who take, or are thinking of taking, hormone therapy should not be put off by these results, and anyone concerned should speak to their doctor.”
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