- Research involving over 183,000 women shows that hormone replacement therapy is associated with a 10 per cent lower risk of dementia and a 16 per cent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Starting HRT between the ages of 46 and 56 offered the greatest benefit, reducing dementia risk by up to 23 per cent for those starting between 51 and 56.
- Women who took HRT following surgical menopause experienced a 26 per cent reduction in dementia risk, while those carrying the APOE4 Alzheimer's risk gene saw a 13 per cent reduction.
- The study suggests HRT may offer targeted protective benefits for women with lower lifetime natural oestrogen exposure due to early menopause or starting periods late.
- Researchers state the findings support a personalised approach to women's brain health and highlight the potential cognitive benefits of timing HRT during the menopause transition.
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