Hormone therapy's new dual role? Managing menopause and potential Alzheimer's
There have been a few research papers which have suggested that early initiation of HRT can possibly reduce risk of Alzheimer's. They suggest that there is a window period, that is within 10 years of menopause, where HRT if started can reduce the risk by reducing inflammation, promoting synaptic growth, and enhancing cerebral blood flow.
While HRT has its benefits, it needs to be understood that there are risks especially in patients with hormone receptor breast cancer. In such patients, non-hormonal medication or localised therapies like estrogen creams or rings maybe more beneficial.
HRT treatment needs to be individualised. The correct selection of patient needs to be done and that can be done by your doctor. HRT can get both relief from menopausal symptoms and long-term cognitive benefits. In addition, sometimes a multi-disciplinary approach maybe required. It's also essential to consider factors like:
Family history of dementia
Cardiovascular risk
Type, dose, and delivery method of hormones (oral vs. transdermal)
Age at initiation
In today's era of precision medicine, women deserve nuanced, evidence-based guidance—not fear or blanket restrictions. Hormone therapy can be a powerful ally, but only when used thoughtfully, and with awareness of both its promise and its limits.
Dr. Rohan Palshetkar is consultant IVF specialist at Bloom IVF and Palshetkar Patil Nursing Home, Mumbai.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Neurosurgeon shares the 5 major health benefits of walking: Preventing Alzheimer's to lowering heart disease risk
Walking is one of the most underrated exercises that stores in the world of health benefits. But what exactly are they? In a video shared on June 2, Dr Brian Hoeflinger, MD (neurosurgeon), and Dr Cindy Hoeflinger, MD, PhD (forensic pathologist), talked about 5 major health benefits of walking regularly. The neurosurgeon posted the video and wrote, 'Benefits of walking from the Drs Hoeflinger.' Let's find out what these benefits are: Walking is great for your heart and lungs. (Shutterstock) Also Read | Cardiologist suggests a rare sugar alternative that 'doesn't spike blood sugar, insulin levels and reduces body fat' 5 major benefits of walking According to the neurosurgeon and forensic pathologist, here are some major benefits of walking: 1. Walking is great for your heart and lungs. 2. It reduces your risk of heart disease, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces your risk of stroke. 3. Not only does walking generally make you feel well, but it also releases endorphins, which are definite mood enhancers. 4. Walking is good for your circulation. It increases the blood flow to your body, particularly your brain, which can help prevent degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. 5. Walking is also good for your joints, as I can attest to. It helps strengthen the muscles around your joints, making movement easier and enhancing a little bit of bone growth, which makes your bones stronger. In general, you just feel better. Why walking 10,000 steps is better? While walking is great, completing 10,000 steps every day is even better. Many studies have shown that completing this target has many mental and physical benefits, including weight management, heart health, and mental wellbeing. According to a 2019 JAMA Internal Medicine study, even walking fewer steps can benefit your health. The researchers found that women who averaged 4,400 daily steps had a 41 percent reduction in mortality. Additionally, among older women, as few as approximately 4400 steps/d was significantly related to lower mortality rates Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Mint
15 hours ago
- Mint
Hormone therapy's new dual role? Managing menopause and potential Alzheimer's
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a cornerstone in managing menopause related symptoms. Over the last few years, there is some research on it's potential in reducing the risk or even delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Estrogen plays a vital role in brain function. It supports memory, cognition, and even mood regulation. As women approach menopause, the natural decline in estrogen may accelerate brain aging, possibly increasing vulnerability to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. This has had researchers wonder whether HRT can be used to preserve cognitive function. There have been a few research papers which have suggested that early initiation of HRT can possibly reduce risk of Alzheimer's. They suggest that there is a window period, that is within 10 years of menopause, where HRT if started can reduce the risk by reducing inflammation, promoting synaptic growth, and enhancing cerebral blood flow. While HRT has its benefits, it needs to be understood that there are risks especially in patients with hormone receptor breast cancer. In such patients, non-hormonal medication or localised therapies like estrogen creams or rings maybe more beneficial. HRT treatment needs to be individualised. The correct selection of patient needs to be done and that can be done by your doctor. HRT can get both relief from menopausal symptoms and long-term cognitive benefits. In addition, sometimes a multi-disciplinary approach maybe required. It's also essential to consider factors like: Family history of dementia Cardiovascular risk Type, dose, and delivery method of hormones (oral vs. transdermal) Age at initiation In today's era of precision medicine, women deserve nuanced, evidence-based guidance—not fear or blanket restrictions. Hormone therapy can be a powerful ally, but only when used thoughtfully, and with awareness of both its promise and its limits. Dr. Rohan Palshetkar is consultant IVF specialist at Bloom IVF and Palshetkar Patil Nursing Home, Mumbai.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- New Indian Express
Viruses and the Brain: New study uncovers links to neurodegeneration after viral infection
CHENNAI: Dr. Danielle Beckman is a neuroscientist whose passion for studying the brain is helping to reveal how viral infections—like COVID-19—can affect brain health and possibly lead to long-term neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Beckman dreamed of being a writer. But after taking a college physiology course, she became fascinated with the brain. Her interest turned personal when her grandmother developed dementia, pushing her to understand what happens inside the brain during these conditions. Working at UC Davis under expert guidance, Dr. Beckman and her team created new monkey models that mimic how viruses interact with the human brain. A new study published in Genomic Press Brain Medicine reveals that these models have shown viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus behind COVID-19) can reach brain cells quickly—within just seven days—and cause inflammation, a key contributor to memory problems and brain fog. This is different from other viruses like HIV, which affect the brain more slowly. Dr Beckman's findings help explain why some people experience memory issues or 'brain fog' after recovering from viral infections like COVID-19. Using advanced microscopy (a way to take detailed pictures of brain cells), Dr. Beckman has identified how viruses damage brain regions related to memory and thinking. Long COVID Dr. Beckman is also active in the Long COVID community, supporting people who are still sick months after infection. She hopes her work will lead to real treatments, especially since there are currently no approved therapies for Long COVID-related brain symptoms. Alzheimer's & Beyond In addition to studying COVID-19, her team is working on better ways to study Alzheimer's disease. They've created new monkey models that more closely reflect how the disease develops in humans—something rodents (like mice) can't do as well. These models are helping scientists test new treatments more effectively. While the ultimate goal of this research is to find ways to prevent or reduce brain damage caused by viruses—both in conditions like Long COVID and in more traditional neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, it is also laying the foundation for future treatments that could help millions around the world.
