How Does HT Affect the Brains of Older Menopausal Women?

Subclinical cerebrovascular disease and regional decreases in brain volume could contribute to HT-associated cognitive decline.

Hormone therapy is associated with excess risk for dementia in older women (age, ≥65). In the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS; a WHI substudy) investigators evaluated brain-related outcomes in women (age range, 65–79) who were free of dementia at baseline and who were randomized to receive HT or placebo. Use of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus progestin (mean duration, 4 years) or CEE alone (mean duration, 5.6 years) was associated with excess risk for stroke, dementia, and cognitive decline (JW Cardiol Sep 3 2004). Because both stroke and loss of hippocampal volume are associated with risk for dementia, investigators followed former WHIMS participants with magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the effects of HT on subcl…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

How Does HT Affect the Brains of Older Menopausal Women?

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Reviewing Author