- Research by Stanford University using data from over 20,000 women found that oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy in later life was linked to a 39 per cent lower risk of a clinical dementia diagnosis.
- The study revealed that women taking oestrogen-only treatment had a 33 per cent lower likelihood of memory or functional decline and 35 per cent lower odds of biological signs of Alzheimer's in the brain.
- Experts stressed that the research shows an association rather than direct cause and effect, noting that participants reported using the therapy at an average age of around 70.
- Because oestrogen-only treatments are usually offered solely to women who have undergone a hysterectomy, scientists warned that the results cannot be applied to all women considering hormone therapy today.
- Health representatives advised that the findings should not prompt women to start or stop hormone therapy to alter dementia risk, highlighting the need for further research into women's brain health.
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