Study: Menopause Linked to Brain Gray Matter Loss

Can HRT protect against Alzheimer's disease or does it have no discernible effect?

Published 6 hours ago·Updated 2 hours ago

Study: Menopause Linked to Brain Gray Matter Loss

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Above: An MRI scan of a brain showing early Dementia/Alzheimer's in London, U.K., on May 30, 2025. Image credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

HRT could prove vital in the fight against Alzheimer's in women. As research has shown, starting the treatment within five years of menopause can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as 32%, with observational studies showing a 22% lower dementia risk for all HRT users. Timing, therefore, is crucial, with early intervention offering the best chance of protecting brain function.

Healio New Scientist

Narrative B

It's evident from the University of Cambridge's study that, at best, HRT fails to prevent the structural changes to the brain that leave women more vulnerable than men to cognitive decline. At its worst, it can exacerbate certain issues. This revelation makes lifestyle interventions even more critical as the only reliable defense against diseases like Alzheimer's later in life. More research is needed on the HRT variable.

NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre University of Cambridge

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