How
do hormones affect your memory?
December
4, 2006
Hollywood
for years has shown menopausal women as two-dimensional characters
with extreme hot flashes and mood swings. Menopause, however, is a no
laughing matter for millions of American women. Postmenopausal women
can experience difficulty sleeping; they are at an increased risk for
heart disease and osteoporosis; and some studies have shown that
postmenopausal women have some decreased cognitive function.
The
University of Vermont is conducting medical trials that look at the
relationship between decreasing estrogen levels and cognitive
function and memory. Women's ovaries stop producing estrogen after
menopause. Studies are under way to see if postmenopausal women will
have increased cognitive function if they receive Hormone Replacement
Therapy (HRT).
Julie Dumas, a post-doctoral associate in the
Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at UVM, notes "that many
postmenopausal women will report some change in memory." Recent
studies have suggested that estrogen supports the central cholinergic
system, which is involved in memory and cognition. Researchers are
interested in learning what role estrogen plays in cognitive function
and memory and why women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's
disease as men.
"Our previous research suggests that
estrogen may enhance brain function," said Dr. Paul Newhouse,
the director of the Clinical Research Unit.
There are three
studies focusing on the effects of sex hormones on cognitive function
and memory in postmenopausal women. In one trial, women are given
estrogen, in another estrogen and progesterone, and in the third
trial, women receive tamoxifen. These studies are looking at whether
estrogen can help preserve memory in normal aging and to decrease the
risk of Alzheimer's disease.
According to Dumas, many Vermont
women decide to participate in these trials "for their mothers,
sisters, or other female relatives, many have parents with
Alzheimer's and their goal is to help us out to learn what happens to
memory with aging."
As with any medical decision, women
should discuss the possible risks and benefits of any treatment,
including HRT, with their doctor.
For
more information on these studies, call Sally Ross Nolan at 802
847-9488 or visit the CNRU’s website at
www.uvm.edu/~cnru
Sarah Lemnah writes
on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging, a private,
nonprofit United Way organization. For more information on services
for seniors call the Senior HelpLine at (800) 642-5119.
Last modified December 19 2006 07:48 PM
