The influence of hormone replacement therapy on the aging-related change in cognitive performance. Analysis based on...

A maintenance and/or improvement of cognitive performance with postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is biological plausible. The objectives of this study were to analyze the impact of HRT on aging-related changes in cognitive performances, and to assess whether women who choose HRT have better cognitive performance prior to HRT.

Data derives from a longitudinal sub-cohort of women participating in a large survey of the general adult population-The Danish MONICA (MONItoring CArdiovascular risk factors) Study. Main variables for analyses come from neuropsychological examination consisting of 28 cognitive parameters collected in 1982-1983 and again in 1993-1994, by a computer-aided test technique, the Cognitive Function Scanner((R)). The final analyses comprised 126 'never users', 40 'current users' at follow-up, and 30 'future users' of HRT (women who started HRT during the observation period subsequent to baseline registration).

'Current users' of HRT at follow-up showed a less pronounced decline in cognitive performance compared to 'never users' in one of six parameters for concentration ability and two of eight parameters for visuomotor function. 'Future users' of HRT had better cognitive performance at baseline compared to 'never users' in long-term visual memory, concentration, and reaction time. 'Future users' of HRT were more precise but spent more time in the tests for visuomotor function than 'never users'.

HRT-treated women show a postponed aging-related decline in cognitive functioning, partly in concentration and partly in visuomotor function. However, women who choose HRT have better cognitive performance prior to the treatment.