Research shows the importance of considering the timing of menopause and cardiovascular risk factors in understanding cognitive health as women age
The study, conducted on 8,360 female and an equal number of age-matched male participants, explored the relationship between menopausal timing, cardiovascular risk factors, and cognitive decline.
Early menopause
Led by Dr Jennifer Rabin of the University of Toronto, the research found that women who experienced menopause before the age of 49 and had higher cardiovascular risks were more prone to thinking and memory problems later in life compared to their male participants.
“Cardiovascular risk factors are known to increase a person’s risk for dementia; what is lesser known is why women have a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease than men”, explained Dr. Rabin. “Our study suggests that earlier menopause may worsen the effects of high cardiovascular risk on cognitive decline.”
The research categorised female participants into three groups based on menopausal timing: early menopause (occurring between ages 35 and 48), average menopause (between ages 49 and 52), and late menopause (between ages 53 and 65). The study also examined whether participants had used hormone therapy containing estrogens.
Participants’ cardiovascular health was evaluated based on six risk factors: high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and prescriptions for blood pressure-lowering medications. Cognitive function was evaluated through a series of tests conducted at the beginning and end of the study period.
Menopause and cognitive decline
After adjusting for various factors, the study found that women with earlier menopause and higher cardiovascular risks exhibited lower cognitive scores three years later.
This association was not observed in women with average or late menopause. Hormone therapy did not influence the results, suggesting that the timing of menopause itself plays a critical role in cognitive decline risk.
Dr Rabin emphasised that while the study followed participants for three years, further research over longer durations is needed. The findings show the importance of considering menopausal timing and cardiovascular risk factors in developing strategies for cognitive health preservation.
As researchers continue to look into this relationship, the study’s implications hold promise for informing targeted interventions to mitigate cognitive decline risks in women as they age.
