Article courtesy of Dr. Joel Kahn, MD, who is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, one of the world’s top cardiologists, a best-selling author, lecturer, and a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and holistic care.
At the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, we spend considerable time discussing memory and longevity with all patients, including female patients and often recommend hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
Many do not know that females represent approximately 70% of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and the literature has proposed a connection between the decreased estrogen levels during menopause and an increased AD risk.
Previous investigations have predominantly focused on assessing how hormone therapy (HRT) affects the likelihood of AD development and cognitive deterioration.
However, as the research framework has shifted toward using lab tests called biomarker-defined AD and alterations in specific biomarkers could take place years before cognitive decline becomes discernible, it is crucial to examine how HT influences AD biomarkers. We offer testing for these biomarkers at the Kahn Center.
The goal of a new study was to evaluate the impact of HRT on AD biomarker-informed pathophysiology in both cognitively unimpaired (CU) and cognitively impaired (CI) postmenopausal females across the aging and AD spectrum.
STUDY
The cross-sectional study included post-menopausal females without HRT history (HT-) and with HT (HT+) at the time of PET imaging assessment from two cohorts: the Translational Biomarkers in Aging and Dementia (TRIAD) cohort, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and biofluid collection for amyloid and tau markers of brain health.
RESULTS
HRT + females demonstrated a significantly lower tau-PET standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) compared to HRT- females, a marker of lower risk of AD.
HRT + females also showed significantly lower CSF p-tau181 (P < 0.001) and plasma p-tau181 (P < 0.0001) concentrations, again, markers of lower risk for AD.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, findings from this study suggest that HRT is associated with lower tau neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers in postmenopausal females, suggesting a lower risk for AD. Larger studies will clearly be needed. For now, the pros and cons of HRT should be discussed as women near menopause.
The biomarkers (amyloid ratio and tau protein) are available along with ApoE testing at the Kahn Center.
Adopting brain-friendly lifestyles like the MIND diet, weight control, exercise, brain activities, and avoidance of excess alcohol are all advised. A whole food plant diet is very supportive of brain health when accompanied by proper vitamin support like B12.
About the author: At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-757a59225
