Overview
- A bibliographic review presented at The Menopause Society meeting consolidates evidence of gray‑matter reductions in frontal and temporal cortices and the hippocampus during the transition, linked to memory and executive‑function changes.
- The review highlights increased white matter hyperintensities during or after menopause, particularly with earlier menopause or frequent hot flashes, which are MRI markers tied to higher risks of cognitive decline, stroke and dementia.
- A separate observational study of more than 500 participants suggests earlier menopause may compound the negative brain effects of reduced cardiac function, affecting gray matter volume, white matter lesion burden and cognitive test performance.
- The cardiac–brain analysis assessed left ventricular ejection fraction by cardiac MRI, quantified brain volumes and white matter hyperintensities by MRI, and used standardized neuropsychological tests with adjustments for multiple clinical and demographic factors.
- The Menopause Society’s medical director, Dr. Stephanie Faubion, says the findings support integrating sex‑specific factors such as age at menopause into dementia‑risk research and targeted prevention strategies.