Overview
- Researchers reported preliminary findings in Orlando that earlier menopause may compound the adverse association between reduced cardiac function and brain health and cognition.
- The observational study included more than 500 participants and assessed left ventricular ejection fraction on cardiac MRI, gray matter volume and white matter hyperintensity burden on brain MRI, and performance on standardized cognitive tests.
- Results suggest women with earlier menopause and lower cardiac function show more unfavorable brain MRI markers and cognitive scores, with detailed analyses to follow in full publication.
- A bibliographic review from the BRAVE Lab summarized consistent menopause-linked decreases in gray matter in frontal and temporal cortices and the hippocampus, plus higher white matter hyperintensity burden, particularly with early menopause or frequent hot flashes.
- The review also notes hints of partial gray matter recovery after menopause and changes in estrogen receptor density, and The Menopause Society urged incorporating sex-specific factors such as age at menopause into dementia research and prevention strategies.