To investigate the relationship between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia, with a specific focus on the timing of initiation, formulation types, and potential biomarkers for assessment.
Key Findings:
MHT may reduce AD risk if initiated around menopause onset.
Estrogen-only therapy is associated with a lower risk of AD, while estrogen-progestogen therapy shows variable outcomes, necessitating further investigation.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest that MHT could be a viable strategy for reducing AD risk in women, particularly if administered during the menopausal transition, but the associated risks, including breast cancer and stroke, must be carefully considered.
Limitations:
Lack of randomized clinical trials in midlife women limits the strength of the conclusions drawn.
Existing studies are heterogeneous and may not adequately assess MHT's potential for AD prevention.
Conclusion:
Renewed research interest in MHT as a time-sensitive approach for AD risk reduction is warranted, especially given the lack of effective preventative therapies currently available.
