These women would be at “high risk” of dementia according to the researchers.
Menopause is a must in the life of a woman. Salvating for some who finally see the final stop of the rules, difficult to live for others who undergo its hormonal side effects. Women are generally menopausal around fifties. According to the study of Japanese researchers, the age of menopause could be a risk factor for cognitive disorders and dementia. “A deficiency in female hormones can contribute to the mechanisms underlying a risk of cognitive aging” they explain.
The study focused on 4,726 women and 4,286 men. “”Women were asked if they had had their period in the past 12 months. Otherwise, whatever the reason, they were asked to indicate the calendar year of their last rules “ detail the authors. They then classified the age of menopause in three categories: under 40, 40 to 49 years and 50 years old. They then observed their cognitive functions and possible depressive symptoms.
After two years of follow -up, the researchers found that an early menopause was “Significantly associated with deterioration of cognitive functions” and greater depressive symptoms. For them, “Dementia risk reduction strategies should consider menopausal women early as a specific high risk group”. When they talk about “Early menopause”, Researchers target menopausal women here before 40 years old. These women later present a less good orientation in space and more memorization disorders. In contrast, a late menopause, that is to say at 50 years or more is associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better cognition.
Consequently, the prevention of early menopause would be beneficial to reduce the risk “disproportionate” dementia in women. Among a wide range of risk factors for early menopause, the modifiable factors in adulthood are the reduction or even stopping smoking, alcohol and physical activity. “Preventive interventions for early menopause, focused on the components of a healthy lifestyle, should be assessed in terms of cognitive and physical health” conclude the researchers.
