Menopause Predisposes a Fifth of Women to Alzheimer’s

Estrogen regulates brain metabolism in young women, orchestrating the transport, uptake and conversion to energy of glucose. 

Declining estrogen levels during menopause alter brain metabolism, precipitating temporary cognitive changes as the brain taps alternative fuel sources, possibly the fatty acids that protect neurons and their connections. 

In a fifth of women, these changes appear to lead, some two decades later, to Alzheimer’s disease. Carriers of the so-called Alzheimer’s gene are particularly vulnerable.

Physical exercise, diets low in sugar and fats and, conceivably but controversially, hormone therapy are likely to help protect these women from acquiring the disease.