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Estrogen levels do not correlate with improvement in cognition
Leon J Thal1, Ronald G Thomas, Ruth Mulnard
1Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. lthal@ucsd.edu
Archives of Neurology
|February 13, 2003
Summary
Conjugated equine estrogen (Premarin) increased estradiol and estrone levels in women with Alzheimer disease (AD). However, these hormone changes did not correlate with improvements in cognitive functioning after 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Estrogen therapy is being investigated for its potential effects on cognitive function in postmenopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if estradiol and estrone levels are associated with cognitive functioning in women with AD treated with conjugated equine estrogen (Premarin).
Main Methods:
- 120 postmenopausal women with AD, treated with Premarin for 1 year, were studied.
- Plasma estradiol and estrone levels were measured throughout the trial.
- Changes in hormone levels were correlated with changes in cognitive function scores at 2 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Premarin significantly increased estradiol and estrone levels in a dose-dependent manner.
- No significant associations were found between baseline hormone levels and cognitive measures.
- Changes in estradiol or estrone levels did not correlate with changes in cognitive functioning at 2 or 12 months.
Conclusions:
- While Premarin effectively raised estradiol and estrone levels in women with AD, this hormonal change did not translate to improved cognitive function.
- The findings suggest that estrogen therapy, as administered, may not be an effective strategy for enhancing cognition in women with Alzheimer disease.