The menopause Alzheimer’s connection. Why woman must be proactive about brain health.

naeemfyma
Jul 30
3 min read

As a physician focused on women’s health and metabolic care I have seen firsthand how hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can dramatically impact a woman’s, physical and emotional well-being. What many don’t realize however is that these changes also affect the brain decades before symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may appear.

Emerging research confirms what many woman have long suspected that Menopause is not just a reproductive transition in fact it is a neurological one.

Estrogen and the aging female brain

Estrogen, place a vital role in maintaining brain, metabolism, supporting mitochondrial health, and protecting against oxidative stress. The female brain particularly areas responsible for memory and mood regulation is rich in estrogen receptors. When estrogen levels drop during menopausal transition, (MT ) It sets of a cascade of neurological effects that may pave the way for the late onset of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)

Landmark study By the Scheyer et al 2018 Reveals that woman, especially those between 40 and 60 experience a hypometabolic state in the brain during pre-menopausal and postmenopausal years. This reduced brain energy leads to

Menopause changes your brain but you are not alone .A new study on hypometabolic brain state between 40 to 60 highlights why the right care matters.

mitochondrial dysfunction.
decreased glucose metabolism
potential for cognitive decline
Increased oxidative damage
Greater Amyloid -beta accumulation (a hallmark of AD)

In fact, brain imaging studies show that perimenopausal and postmenopausal woman have significantly lower metabolic activity and more amyloid deposits compared to aged matched men.This brain hypometabolism correlates with memory deficits, mood changes, and eventually cognitive decline.

Genetics and hormones : A dangerous mix

For woman carrying the APOE-4 GENE a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s the effects of menopause are even more concerning .Postmenopausal woman with this gene show greater brain atrophy and reduce brain connectivity even before any clinical signs of dementia. The risk is real and often silent.

Get Hormone therapy help?

The" timing hypothesis" is the key :hormone replacement therapy (HRT) appear to offer Neuro protective benefits if started within five years of menopause .However, starting HRT later, especially in women with type two diabetes may pose risks. Not all women are candidates, and the decision must be individualized.

For those struggling with hot flashes, but unable to take estrogen, non-hormonal treatments like Brisdelle,(a low-dose paroxetine) or Effexor (venlafaxine )may provide relief without compromising safety.

Diet, lifestyle, and menopause timing

Dietary patterns may influence the timing of menopause .Research suggest that higher intake of protein, healthy fats, vitamin B6, and zinc is associated with a delayed onset of menopause. This may extend estrogen's protective window, and support, long-term cognitive health.

Exercise: the brain's best Ally

There’s one intervention with near Universal Benefit is: Exercise .Woman age between 32-50 who maintain physical activity have significantly lower rates of Alzheimer’s compared to the sedentary peers.

Exercise not only boost mood and metabolism, but also supports brain volume and connectivity.

What can you do now?

At Crabtree health we believe in proactive care, especially when it comes to protecting the brain whether you are in your 40's navigating pre-menopause or in your 60s and concerned about cognitive health we offer: