Large UK Study Links Hormone Replacement Therapy to Lower Dementia Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Quick Brief
A major UK study involving more than 180,000 postmenopausal women suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help lower the risk of dementia. Researchers observed that women who used HRT showed a 10% reduced likelihood of developing any type of dementia and a 16% lower likelihood of an Alzheimer's diagnosis compared to non-users.
What Happened?
Scientists conducted the largest study of its kind, tracking over 180,000 postmenopausal women in the UK to examine the relationship between hormone replacement therapy and cognitive health. The findings indicate that participants who used HRT experienced a 10% decrease in the overall risk of developing dementia and a 16% lower risk of being diagnosed specifically with Alzheimer's disease when compared to women who had never used the treatment.
Why It Matters
Dementia affects millions globally, and Alzheimer's is its most common form. Identifying potential preventative measures or protective factors like hormone replacement therapy offers critical insight for women's long-term neurological health during and after menopause.
Key Facts
- The study is the largest of its kind, tracking over 180,000 postmenopausal women in the UK.
- HRT users showed a 10% lower risk of developing any type of dementia.
- The likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's was 16% lower among HRT users compared to non-users.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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