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Cognitive performance in surgically menopausal women on estrogen
J Verghese1, G Kuslansky, M J Katz
1Einstein Aging Study , Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. joev3@idt.net
Neurology
|September 20, 2000
Summary
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can support cognitive function in surgically menopausal women. Early ERT initiation may offer long-term neuroprotective benefits for verbal memory and constructional ability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is investigated for its potential role in maintaining cognitive function.
- Surgical menopause can impact cognitive health in women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of ERT on cognitive function in surgically menopausal women.
- To assess the neuroprotective potential of ERT in cognitively intact women.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal aging study design was employed.
- Nondemented women who underwent surgical menopause were divided into two groups: those on ERT (n=10) and a control group (n=25).
- Cognitive performance was assessed using selected tests of verbal memory and constructional ability.
Main Results:
- Women on ERT performed significantly better on tests of verbal memory and constructional ability compared to the control group.
- The observed cognitive benefits were associated with ERT initiated soon after surgical menopause.
Conclusions:
- Early initiation of ERT following surgical menopause may confer long-term neuroprotective effects.
- ERT appears to help maintain normal cognitive function, specifically in verbal memory and constructional abilities, in surgically menopausal women.
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