Early Menopause May Lead to Faster Onset of Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Decline

Recent research shows that entering menopause early may lead to faster cognitive decline and an earlier onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Kathrin Ziegler · DigitalVision/Getty Earlier menopause may be associated with faster cognitive decline and less favorable brain health later in life. These associations may persist for decades after the menopause transition. Earlier menopause was associated with faster episodic memory decline and an earlier Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. Researchers say the findings may help identify people who could benefit from earlier monitoring and interventions to support brain health. Entering menopause at an earlier age may be associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline. In a study published in JAMA Network Open on August 25, researchers found a significant association between early menopause and less favorable functional and structural neurological outcomes. The findings suggest that the association between menopause timing and brain health may persist for decades after the menopause transition. The researchers noted that understanding this lasting association between the onset of menopause and cognitive decline offers a vital window of opportunity f…