Association between Type of Menopause and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted in nine Latin American countries found that postmenopausal women who underwent surgical menopause were more prone to cognitive decline compared to those who experienced spontaneous menopause. The study, published in the journal Maturitas, analyzed data from 1185 postmenopausal women and found that lower MoCA scores were observed in women with surgical menopause than in those with spontaneous menopause. The research also suggested that menopausal hormone therapy may reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Postmenopausal women who underwent surgical menopause had lower MoCA scores compared to those who experienced spontaneous menopause (23.8 ± 4.9 vs. 25.0 ± 4.3 points, respectively, p < 0.05).
  • Women with surgical menopause were more prone to cognitive decline, independent of age (OR 0.21, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.30).
  • Those with 12 years of education or less were more likely to develop MCI (OR 0.21, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.30).
  • Menopausal hormone therapy may reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment.
  • The study involved 1185 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 55.3 years and a body mass index of 26.4 kg/m².
  • A significant proportion of the women (37 %) were homemakers, and 399 experienced menopause before the age of 40.

Statistics:

  • 1185 postmenopausal women participated in the study.
  • The mean age of the participants was 55.3 years.
  • The body mass index of the participants was 26.4 kg/m².
  • 399 women experienced menopause before the age of 40.
  • 110 women underwent bilateral oophorectomy before the age of 40.
  • 23.8 ± 4.9 was the average MoCA score for women with surgical menopause.
  • 25.0 ± 4.3 was the average MoCA score for women with spontaneous menopause.

Sources:

  • Association between type of menopause and mild cognitive impairment: The REDLINC XII study. Maturitas, 2024;189:108110.
  • Elsevier. www.elsevier.com.
  • Maturitas. www.journals.elsevier.com/maturitas/.
  • Espinoza, M. T., et al. Data on Menopause Reported by Maria T. Espinoza and Colleagues (Association between type of menopause and mild cognitive impairment: The REDLINC XII study). Education Letter. September 18, 2024; p 109.