Alzheimer’s Risk in Menopausal Women

Metabolic changes that happen in the brain during menopause may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the state of permanent cessation of menstrual cycles (periods) for 12-months.

‘Lower levels of glucose metabolism in several key brain regions have been observed in menopausal and peri-menopausal women.’

Highlights:

Study finds physiological connection between menopause and Alzheimer’s.
Metabolic changes in the brain during menopause may increase risk for Alzheimer’s.
Lower levels of glucose metabolism observed in key brain regions in menopausal women.

Menopause causes metabolic changes in the brain that may increase the risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s, a team from Weill Cornell Medicine and the University of Arizona Health Sciences has shown in the new study. The study also helps solve a mystery about why women are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease than men. The findings are published in PLoS One.

Menopause, for long has been known to cause neurological problems including depression, anxiety and insomnia. This new study has established that metabolic changes during the menopausal period may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. While scientists believe that most symptoms are caused due to decline in estrogen levels, the new findings open ways to develop efficient detection and intervention techniques to reduce the risk.

Diet Rich in Vitamin D and Calcium can Prevent Early Menopause
About 10 percent of women experience early menopause, which can cause adverse health effects. A high intake of vitamin D and calcium may prevent early menopause.

Overview of the Study

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging technique was used to measure the use of glucose-- fuel source for cellular activity--in the brains of 43 healthy women aged 40 to 60. Among them, 15 were pre-menopausal, 14 were transitioning to menopause (peri-menopausal) and 14 were menopausal.

"This study suggests there may be a critical window of opportunity, when women are in their 40s and 50s, to detect metabolic signs of higher Alzheimer’s risk and apply strategies to reduce that risk," said lead author Dr. Lisa Mosconi.

Menopause Weight Gain
Menopause and weight gain in menopause often go hand in hand. But with simple lifestyle changes, menopause weight gain can be easily managed.

Study Findings

Women who had undergone menopause or those in the transition period had markedly lower levels of glucose metabolism in several key brain regions than those who were pre-menopausal.
Menopausal and peri-menopausal showed lower levels of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity, an important metabolic enzyme.
These groups of women also scored lower on standard memory tests.

"Our findings show that the loss of estrogen in menopause doesn’t just diminish fertility," said Dr. Mosconi, associate director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. "It also means the loss of a key neuroprotective element in the female brain and a higher vulnerability to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team suggests that the results may eventually lead to the development of screening tests and early interventions to reverse or slow the observed metabolic changes.

Quiz on Menopause
Menopause is inevitable in a woman’s life and it would be apt to be well prepared for it. Learn more about menopause and the best ways of managing it by going through this quiz.

Key Note

We need to understand that while menopause may have increased risks for Alzheimer’s disease, menopause is a natural process of aging. It is important that we understand the associated risks and take steps to prevent the worse turn of events.

Exercising to keep the brain young and healthy as well as consuming foods rich in antioxidants like flaxseeds will boost estrogen production, minimizing the harmful side effects of menopause.

Reference:

Overview - Menopause - (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397)

Source-Medindia