Early menopause linked to mental decline

Conclusion This study found a link between premature menopause and memory problems. Strengths of the study include the large number of participants and the fact they were followed prospectively, which reduces the chance of bias. However, as it was a cohort study, it cannot prove that the memory problems were caused by their premature menopause. The researchers analysed the results, taking multiple factors into consideration. Patient recall, the age of menopause and the type and duration of taking any hormonal therapy may also have been inaccurate. A further limiting factor in this study is that it commenced when women were aged 65, with no diagnosis of dementia. This means it was unable to examine whether premature menopause was related to any cognitive decline or memory problems, including dementia, prior to this age. It is also worth bearing in mind that 7.6% of the women had premature menopause, which is far higher than the widely believed prevalence estimate of 1%. This means that these results may not directly apply to the general population. A positive final note is that the researchers found no link between premature menopause and more severe types of cognitive decline, such as dementia. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines Premature menopause is linked with poor thinking and reaction times. The Daily Telegraph, May 7 2014Early menopause link to foggy thinking: Young...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Lifestyle/exercise Cancer Source Type: news