HRT could reduce dementia risk as study shows best age to start taking it
Woman taking HRT (stock)(Image: Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)
TL;DR
- HRT may reduce women's risk of dementia by 10% and Alzheimer's by 16%.
- The optimal 'window of opportunity' to start HRT for dementia prevention is between ages 46 and 56.
- Women who started HRT between 46-50 had a 13% reduced dementia risk; those starting at 51-56 saw a 23% reduction.
- The strongest benefit was seen in women undergoing surgical menopause (26% lower dementia risk).
- Women with the APOE4 gene variant had a 13% reduced dementia risk when taking HRT.
- Women with naturally lower estrogen production benefited from HRT, showing a 16% lower dementia risk.
- The research suggests HRT could contribute to long-term cognitive health, not just symptom relief.