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Semin Reprod Med 2005; 23(2): 172-179
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-869485
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: +1(212) 584-4662.

Estrogen and Cognition, with a Focus on Alzheimer's Disease

JoAnn V. Pinkerton1 , Victor W. Henderson2
  • 1Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
  • 2Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology), and Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 April 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Cognitive aging is associated with decreases in memory, attention, and visual/motor performance and skills. Dementia consists of loss of memory and other cognitive abilities, associated with social or occupational impairment. Potential neuroprotective effects of estrogen include lowering β-amyloid, enhancing cholinergic function, promoting synaptic plasticity and nerve process growth, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing brain glucose transport. Observational and longitudinal studies suggest that hormone therapy may attenuate age-associated cognitive impairment or decrease Alzheimer's disease but this has not been confirmed by randomized clinical trials. A critical window of time may exist around the menopause when hormone therapy may delay or decrease cognitive changes; however, hormone therapy initiated in the late postmenopause does not improve global cognition and may increase dementia risk.

KEYWORDS

Estrogen - cognition - dementia - memory - Alzheimer's disease

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JoAnn V PinkertonM.D. 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia Health System, Midlife Health Center

2955 Ivy Rd Suite 104

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Email: jvp9u@virginia.edu