Factors contributing to the development of cognitive function disorders in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Menopause is the last menstrual bleeding, after which no further menstruation occurs for 12 months. Typically, it manifests between the ages of 45 and 55 years. The endocrine activity of the ovaries stops, resulting in a decrease in hormone production. Oestrogen deficiency during the postmenopausal period may increase the risk of neurodegeneration. Changes in the signalling of oestrogen receptors  and  (ER and ER), as well as polymorphisms Pvu II and Xba I in the ER receptor, may influence susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease. Oestrogens protect neurons from damage caused by amyloid . Oestrogens also play a role in the mitochondrial bioenergetics of neurons and in preventing brain inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The potential role of menopausal hormone therapy in reducing dementia risk is currently under investigation. Despite the neurobiological rationale for oestrogen’s protective effects on Alzheimer’s risk and promising animal model evidence, results from observational, clinical, and prospective studies remain inconclusive.