Menopause Alters Brain Structure and Dementia Risk: Latest Study
Menopause is a biological phase that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. However, this transition has far more complex effects than just physical symptoms.
A new study reveals that menopause triggers significant changes in brain structure related to dementia and mental health risks.
A comprehensive study published in The Conversation analysed data from 125,000 participants in the UK Biobank. The researchers divided the subjects into three categories: pre-menopause, post-menopause, and a post-menopausal group using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The results of the study show that the post-menopausal phase (which typically begins around the age of 49) is strongly correlated with an overall decline in quality of life. Participants reported intense sleep disturbances, insomnia, and levels of fatigue that interfered with their daily activities.
Menopause is not just a hormonal change, but also a critical period for psychological well-being. Data shows that post-menopausal women are more likely to:
Using brain imaging technology (MRI), scientists found a decrease in the volume of grey matter after menopause. Grey matter is a key component of the central nervous system that contains active nerve cells.
This decrease in volume is concentrated in very specific areas of the brain, namely the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. These two areas are the centres of memory and learning. Worryingly, these are also the first areas to be affected in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Important Information: Changes in brain structure during menopause are thought to be one of the reasons why the prevalence of dementia is higher in women than in men in old age.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option for many women to relieve hot flash symptoms. But can HRT protect the brain? This study found that:
The researchers emphasise that although changes in brain structure occur naturally, a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the adverse effects. The following steps are recommended:
Understanding the impact of menopause on the brain is essential for every woman. With early detection and the right lifestyle, the risk of cognitive decline in old age can be significantly minimised.
- Will all menopausal women experience memory loss?
Not necessarily, but statistically, brain volume in the memory area tends to decrease. An active lifestyle can help compensate for these changes.
- When is the best time to start hormone therapy (HRT)?
Consult a gynaecologist. HRT is most effective when started when the first symptoms of the menopausal transition appear.
- Can exercise restore lost brain volume?
Some studies show that aerobic activity can increase the volume of the hippocampus, even in older adults. (Z-10)
It is important for families and parents who have teenagers to understand the changes in adolescent behaviour so that they can detect early if their children are experiencing mental health problems.
A report by AXA together with IPSOS reveals that 32% of the world’s population suffers from mental health problems.
The Ministry of Health estimates that around 30-32 million Indonesians suffer from mental health problems.