(NewsNation) — Menopausal hormone replacement therapy may be linked to Alzheimer’s, according to a new study published Wednesday.
Harvard researchers said women who underwent hormone replacement therapy in their 60s were found to have the highest risk of dementia in their 70s.
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Tom Pitts joined “Morning in America” to discuss what the results could mean for post-menopausal women.
“It’s a critical time window,” he said. “It’s when you start it.”
If a woman started oral estrogen early, “you are (generally) protected against Alzheimer’s” linked to the hormone therapy, Pitts said.
“If you go 10 years or so without estrogen therapy, and you start it at 60, you actually increase your risk of Alzheimer’s,” Pitts said.
This is because the estrogen receptors in the brain don’t react the same as humans age.
The study, published in medical journal Science, looked at the impact of “exogenous hormones on the aging brain.” Exogenous hormones are not naturally or internally produced.
Researchers said the study “will have far-reaching consequences for understanding why Alzheimer’s disease (AD) predominates in women almost twofold over men.”
For those undergoing hormone replacement therapy, there are options, Pitts said.
“The best thing to consider is talking to your doctor, reassessing your risk every few years … and maybe consider using a lower dose of estrogen,” he said.
Pitts also recommends a holistic approach of practicing Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art that focuses on gentle movements, meditation and breathing.
He emphasized patients should consult with a doctor to explore risks and options.
