Overview
Research involving over 21,000 participants identified an association between estrogen-only hormone therapy use in women later in life and a decreased likelihood of dementia development. The study also observed fewer indicators of Alzheimer’s disease within the brains of these individuals, specifically reduced amyloid plaques and tau tangles at autopsy, alongside less amyloid buildup detected via biomarker tests.
Approach
The study analyzed data from more than 21,000 participants. It investigated the relationship between the use of estrogen-only hormone therapy and two primary outcomes: dementia diagnosis and the presence of Alzheimer's-related brain changes. The assessment of Alzheimer's-related brain changes included post-mortem examination for amyloid plaques and tau tangles, as well as biomarker tests to assess amyloid accumulation.
Findings
- Women who utilized estrogen-only hormone therapy later in life were associated with a 39% lower odds of receiving a dementia diagnosis.
- These same women demonstrated 35% lower odds of exhibiting Alzheimer’s-related brain changes during autopsy, which encompassed amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
- Biomarker tests conducted on hormone therapy users additionally suggested a reduced accumulation of amyloid.