Exposure to oestrogen linked to less brain shrinkage in midlife women

A team of US-based researchers has found an association between indicators of longer oestrogen exposure and reduced brain shrinkage in midlife women. The findings are published today (Wednesday 3 November) in the scientific journal, Neurology.

Previous research into the effects of oestrogen on brain health has shown mixed results. Some studies have suggested that lower oestrogen levels following menopause could be linked to brain ageing and Alzheimer’s risk later in life.

The researchers looked at a total of 128 volunteers (99 women and 29 men), aged between 40 and 65 all with risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, such as the APOE4 risk gene or a family history of the disease.

A range of reproductive history events were examined by questionnaires and interviews. These events included:

The researchers carried out brain scans to look specifically at areas called grey matter, including key regions that are damaged in Alzheimer’s disease. Lower volumes of grey matter have been linked to dementia risk and poorer brain health. All participants also had memory tests to assess their thinking and language skills.

Exposure to oestrogen as a result of not having reached menopause, having more children and more reproductive years, and using HT and HC, was associated with larger grey matter volumes in midlife women.

Researchers found no association between reproductive history events and people’s memory scores, but people who scored better did have more grey matter compared to those that scored less.

Dr Sara Imarisio, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“Two thirds of people with dementia are women and while some of this difference is explained by women living longer, research has also implicated hormones like oestrogen. The start of periods, having children, and menopause are significant events in many women’s lives and it’s important to understand how these biological changes might affect long-term brain health and dementia risk. “This study linked exposure to oestrogen to less brain shrinkage, an indication of lower dementia risk, but this is a small study, and it did not explain the causes for the association. The researchers worked with participants in midlife, a key period for brain health and reducing dementia risk, but as the brain scans were not specific to Alzheimer’s disease, we cannot make firm conclusions about risk of developing the condition from this study. Examining the biological pathways through which reproductive history influences cognitive ageing and Alzheimer’s disease risk is the next step for researchers to understand this link. “Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a complex mix of age, genetics and lifestyle factors – some of which are in our control to change, and others which aren’t. The best current evidence suggests that not smoking, only drinking within the recommended limits, staying mentally and physically active, eating a balanced diet, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check can all help to keep our brains healthy as we age.”

Read the full research article ‘Association of Reproductive History with Brain MRI Biomarkers of Dementia Risk in Midlife’ in Neurology.