News · 27 January 2026
Menopause Linked to Brain Changes Similar to Alzheimer's
Photo by Marek Pavlík on Unsplash
A recent UK study of nearly 125,000 women, including 11,000 MRI brain scans, reveals that menopause is linked to brain changes resembling those seen in Alzheimer's disease, specifically a loss of grey matter in areas crucial for memory and emotion. These changes, affecting the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex, might explain the higher prevalence of dementia in women. The hormonal shifts during menopause may increase the risk of Alzheimer's-related brain changes. HRT did not prevent grey matter loss.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs