Hormonal influences on cognition and risk for Alzheimer's disease

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2010 Sep;10(5):359-66. doi: 10.1007/s11910-010-0122-6.

Abstract

Research increasingly suggests that changes in estrogen levels during aging may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. This update reviews the newest information about estrogen and cognitive aging, including information regarding the role of bioavailable estrogen in older women and men, use of selective estrogen receptor modulators to improve cognition, and studies of genetic risk factors to elucidate the effects of endogenous estrogen on aging and cognition. Future trials are needed to determine whether alternate timing, dosage, formulation, or method of administration of hormone replacement can reduce the risk of dementia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Alzheimer Disease* / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease* / etiology
  • Alzheimer Disease* / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / prevention & control
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Characteristics

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Neuroprotective Agents