Commencing menstruation before friends can be unpleasant. However, research suggests an association between early-onset puberty and decreased risk of dementia in the future. As per 2014 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 5 million American adults over 65 are affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form characterized by impaired memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities. The exact triggers of dementia remain unclear, but various lifestyle and environmental factors may influence the risk, with estrogen exposure possibly being one of them.
Researchers from University College London conducted a study with 273,260 female participants aged 37 to 73, aiming to examine the protective effects of estrogen in preventing dementia. Previous research in rats has shown that estrogen plays a role in increasing connections between neurons in the brain’s memory center and may also protect the brain from the harmful effects of abnormal protein buildups, commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease.From their analysis, the team found that women who began menstruating at or under 12 years old were 12 percent less likely to develop dementia compared to those who started after 15. There was also a significant link between later menopause and reduced dementia risk, with women exposed to estrogen in their 50s being roughly 24 percent less likely to develop dementia, in comparison to those beginning menopause in their early 40s.
Lead author of the study, Hee Kyung Park of University College London, stated, “We found that the earlier women start menstruating, and the later they go through menopause, the lower their risk of developing dementia.” Park emphasized the need to consider the lifetime exposure to estrogen as a protective factor against dementia, calling for its incorporation into clinical practice to better understand and prevent dementia. However, confirming these findings requires further research, as the correlation does not necessarily imply that increased estrogen exposure directly causes the reduction in dementia risk. Nevertheless, the study adds to the growing evidence for hormone replacement therapy as a potential safeguard against dementia in older individuals.Do you have concerns about a health issue? Questions about dementia? Reach out to health@newsweek.com. We can consult experts for advice, and your story might be featured in Newsweek.
Uncommon KnowledgeNewsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and uncovering connections in the pursuit of common ground.Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and uncovering connections in the pursuit of common ground.
