Menopause For women, this is a biological change that marks the end of their reproductive years. While it is a natural process and nothing to be too concerned about, the onset of menopause often brings a number of mental and physical changes. These changes can be challenging, but with proper understanding and support, women can navigate this period with confidence and grace.

A recent study found that women with severe menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and Depressionon cognitive function in menopausal women. The findings suggest that these symptoms may have a more profound effect on cognitive health than previously understood. More than 24 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, so the implications of the study are particularly important.

As the global population continues to age, the prevalence of dementia continues to rise. Current estimates suggest that 4.6 million new cases are diagnosed each year, meaning that every seven seconds a person is diagnosed with dementia. By 2040, the number of dementia cases is projected to double, reaching 81.1 million worldwide.

The new study, which included nearly 1,300 postmenopausal women from nine Latin American countries, found a worrying link between severe menopausal symptoms and cognitive impairment. The symptoms examined included hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood disorders, all of which were associated with declines in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language and executive function.

The research raises the question of whether treating hot flashes and other severe menopause symptoms with hormone therapy or other approved treatments could potentially improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women. However, the study notes that this possibility remains uncertain and requires further investigation.

The study, published in the journal Menopause, highlights that cognitive health in postmenopausal women is influenced by a complex interplay of hormonal, lifestyle and socio-demographic factors. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the Menopause Society, emphasized the importance of these findings. She said, “This study has shown a possible link between severe menopausal symptoms and cognitive impairment in middle-aged women.”

Dr. Faubion also pointed out that certain factors may have a protective effect on cognitive function. These include maintaining a low body mass index (BMI), achieving a high educational level, doing regular physical exercise, using hormone therapy, and being sexually active. These factors may provide potential avenues for targeted interventions aimed at protecting and preserving cognitive function in women experiencing menopause.

Medical experts are increasingly focusing on the prevention and delay of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, since 40 percent of cases are preventable. This has led to a growing interest in identifying risk factors, particularly the role of estradiol in female cognitive aging. Since menopause is characterized by a significant drop in estrogen levels, postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing dementia.

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