Hormones and Dementia

More recently, Aduhelm (aducanumab) a new medication was approved by the FDA for Alzheimer’s disease. It has stirred up a lot of controversy since one trial showed efficacy and another one did not. This medicine helps to dissolve amyloid plaques in the brain. Interestingly, estrogen also helps protect the brain by blocking the harmful effects of the amyloid protein.

One of the primary contributors to dementia in women is the onset of menopause and the decline in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Protective factors include starting your menstrual cycle earlier in life, a later menopause, and three or more pregnancies.

Perimenopausal and menopausal women often experience mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, hot flashes, brain fog, memory disturbances and depression. Declining estrogen is thought to be a big factor.

Research on hormone replacement and Alzheimer’s has been inconclusive. Newer research also indicates that addressing other modifiable risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking, cognitive and physical inactivity (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6601685/).

I will be sure to keep a close eye on this new medication and see what it does for Alzheimer’s.