Women using HRT at lower risk of dementia, study suggests
Scientists found those who had used hormone replacement therapy were 10% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia
TL;DR
- HRT use was linked to a 10% lower risk of any dementia and a 16% lower risk of Alzheimer's in postmenopausal women.
- Women who had surgical menopause and used HRT showed a 26% lower risk of any dementia.
- Benefits were more pronounced in women with naturally lower estrogen exposure and those carrying the Apoe4 gene variant.
- The findings are based on observational data, and a causal link cannot be proven.
- Socioeconomic factors and education levels were higher in HRT users, which could influence results despite statistical adjustments.
- Further research is needed to establish causality and identify specific HRT forms that may impact dementia risk.