Premature Menopause And Dementia For Women
According to preliminary research, women who reach Premature Menopause And Dementia before the age of 40 have a 35 percent higher risk of acquiring dementia later in life.
The study is being discussed at the American Heart Association’s annual gathering this week, although it has not yet been published. Researchers used health data from 153,291 women with just an average age of 60 who took part in the UK Biobank, a large biomedical directory in the United Kingdom, for the research.
Study examined at women who were diagnosed with it as well as changed for factors like their age during their last test, race, educational status, cigarette as well as alcohol use, body mass index, heart disease, diabetes, income, as well as physical activity levels.
Women who began menopause at the age of 52 or older, on the other hand, had dementia rates comparable to the general public.
This raises a number of concerns about the relationship between menopause and dementia.
“Premature menopause, which is when menstruation stops before the age of 40, can happen due to various factors like genetics, autoimmune conditions, or medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Dementia is a term for a significant decline in thinking and memory abilities, making it hard to manage daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
Recent research suggests that premature menopause might increase the risk of dementia. One study found that women experiencing premature menopause had a 40% higher chance of developing dementia. Another study showed a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease specifically in such cases.
There are a few reasons for this connection. Premature menopause can lead to lower estrogen levels, a hormone that shields the brain. It can also trigger more inflammation, linked to several chronic diseases, including dementia.
Although more research is needed, it’s crucial for women with premature menopause to be aware of the potential dementia risk. They can take steps to lower it, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep.
Additional tips for reducing dementia risk in premature menopause:
- Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with your doctor’s guidance to replace lost estrogen, although it has associated risks.
- Manage chronic health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol carefully.
- Stay socially active to reduce dementia risk.
- Keep your mind active by learning new things and engaging in challenging activities like puzzles and crossword puzzles.”
Premature Menopause And Dementia
As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is the time in the life once you usually stop having periods (ACOG). Your ovaries also stop producing oestrogen, a hormone that aids in the regulation of your menstrual cycle.
According to the Office on Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, menopause that occurs before the age of 40 is known as premature menopause (OWH). It is referred to as early menopause when it occurs between the ages of 40 and 45. Approximately 5% of women naturally experience early menopause. (According to the OWH, the average age of menopause is 52.)
Early Menopause Be Linked To Dementia
The researchers did not investigate the connection between Premature Menopause And Dementia in their study; they simply discovered the association. However, the American Heart Association stated in a press release that lower oestrogen levels associated with it may be a factor.
“We know that a lack of oestrogen over time increases oxidative stress, which may accelerate brain ageing and result in cognitive impairment,” said research co-author Wenting Hao, M.D., a PhD student at Shandong University in Jinan, China. (oxidative stress occurs when unstable atoms accumulate in your body and cause cell damage.)
The drop in oestrogen may also play a role, according to Lauren Streicher, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine as well as author of Hot Flash Hell. “We surely know that when someone stops producing oestrogen, there are vascular variations,” she says.
“There could actually be less oxygen going to the brain, which could increase the risk of developing Premature Menopause And Dementia.” “It may not just be about reduced oestrogen,” she adds. There are many people who have low oestrogen levels and do not grow dementia.”
The findings are “not surprising,” according to Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School.
“We’ve known for years that women who go through menopause early and don’t use oestrogen replacement treatment have a noticeably higher risk of heart disease as well as dementia,” she says. “What is the significance of this link?” “We know from some experimental results that women who take oestrogen relatively early in menopause within 6 years of menopause—have less thickness of their carotid blood vessels than women who do not take oestrogen,” Dr. Minkin says. “Also, blood flow to the brain is adequate.”
Scott Kaiser, M.D., a board-certified geriatrician and Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at Charity Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., also notes that out women are more likely than men to get Alzheimers disease. “A lot of work has gone into trying to explain these sex-based variations, and this study provides some key insights and raises some crucial issues,” he says.
“There have been studies that suggest oestrogen may play a significant role in cognition as well as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Doug Scharre, M.D., a neurologist as well as Director of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Center for Cognitive as well as Memory Disorders. He references a previous study that revealed that women who took oestrogen supplementation throughout it had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease than those who didn’t.
However, Amit Sachdev, M.D., medical director of Michigan State University’s department of neurology as well as ophthalmology, believes that additional research is needed before people jump to conclusions. He cautioned, “I would take this tendency with a grain of salt.” “It’s quite a jump from there to brain deterioration.”
Christine Greves, M.D., an ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, adds, “The truth is, nobody thinks.” “This doesn’t prove causality; it only shows that there is a connection.” There is a need for further research.”
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Lower Your Risk Of Premature Menopause And Dementia
According to Dr. Sachdev, it is a complex disorder that can be caused by a variety of circumstances. As a result, he advises people to focus on their overall health in order to reduce their risk. He claims that “a physical health leads to a healthy brain.” “It’s great to have better overall health.”
“It’s critical for all of us to think about how we participate in that way of improving our brain health,” Dr. Kaiser adds, “but it’s particularly important for people with elevated risk, which might include women going through Premature Menopause And Dementia”
To reduce their risk, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests that people undertake the following:
If you’re going through it, though, Dr. Streicher suggests talking to your doctor about oestrogen supplementation, which can help you avoid a plethora of unpleasant side effects including hot flashes as well as possibly Premature Menopause And Dementia. “It’s so unjust that women are expected to just ‘tough it out’ and risk major health implications,” according to her.
Conclusion
The production of the female sex hormone oestrogen diminishes rapidly after it, as well as a woman’s periods end. While most women reach menopause in their early 50s, some do so sooner, either naturally or as a result of a medical illness or therapy including a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
What Causes Dementia In The First Place?
Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause.
What Is The Distinction Between Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is an unique degenerative brain illness that causes gradual deterioration in memory and cognitive function. Dementia is the term used to describe a combination of symptoms that negatively effect memory.
How Long Do Dementia Patients Live?
A person with Alzheimer’s disease survives on average four to eight years following diagnosis, although it can last up to 20 years depending on other circumstances.
Can Dementia Strike At Any Age?
It is more frequent in adults over 65, although it can also affect persons in their 30s, 40s, and 50s in some situations.
Is It Common For Someone With Dementia To Sleep A Lot?
A person with dementia is likely to spend a significant amount of time sleeping, both during the day and at night, especially as the disease progresses.
What is premature menopause, and when does it typically occur?
Premature menopause is the cessation of menstruation before the age of 40. It can occur due to various factors and is not part of the normal aging process.
What is dementia, and how does it relate to premature menopause?
Dementia is a general term for a significant decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life. Research suggests that there is a link between premature menopause and a higher risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the factors that can lead to premature menopause?
Premature menopause can be caused by genetics, autoimmune disorders, and medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
How much does the risk of dementia increase for women who have experienced premature menopause?
Studies have shown that women who’ve gone through premature menopause are approximately 40% more likely to develop dementia compared to those who haven’t.
Why is there a connection between premature menopause and dementia?
There are a few possible explanations, including the decrease in estrogen levels following premature menopause, as estrogen has a protective effect on the brain. It could also be linked to an increase in inflammation, a process associated with various chronic diseases, including dementia.
What can women who’ve experienced premature menopause do to reduce their risk of dementia?
They can consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) under a doctor’s guidance, manage chronic health conditions carefully, stay socially active, and challenge their minds through learning and mentally stimulating activities.
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) recommended for all women with premature menopause to lower their dementia risk?
HRT may be an option for some, but it comes with risks. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if HRT is suitable for your specific situation.
What are the chronic health conditions that should be managed to reduce dementia risk in women with premature menopause?
Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol should be carefully managed, as they can increase the risk of dementia.
How does staying socially active help in reducing dementia risk?
Social activities and interactions have been shown to have a positive impact on brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. Engaging in social activities you enjoy is beneficial.
Why is challenging the mind through learning and mentally stimulating activities important for dementia prevention?
Keeping the mind active can help build cognitive reserve and reduce the risk of dementia. Learning new things and engaging in activities that challenge the brain, like puzzles, can be beneficial.