Khaberni - A large-scale British study at Cambridge University has shown that menopause is associated with brain changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers believe that loss of gray matter in brain areas responsible for memory and emotion may partly explain why women are more susceptible to dementia than men.
According to "Scientific American", these results come from a study involving about 125,000 women, 11,000 of whom underwent brain MRI scans.
Does hormone therapy affect?
In the study, the use of hormone replacement therapy did not prevent the loss of gray matter.
Researchers say our understanding of the effects of menopause and the use of hormone replacement therapy on the brain and memory is still limited.
The study found that women who use hormone replacement therapy are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. However, many of them were already experiencing mental health issues before the medication was prescribed to them.
Dr. Cristelle Langley, a co-researcher, said it is important to recognize the diverse difficulties that can accompany menopause, and to be more sensitive not only to physical health, but also to the mental health of women during menopause.
