Long-term estrogen replacement is associated with improved nonverbal memory and attentional measures in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cognitive domains improved or preserved by long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT).


METHODS
A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered to healthy postmenopausal women who had been treated or not treated with long-term HRT without interruption since menopause.


METHODS
Women were recruited by advertisement from a university town and surrounding areas.


METHODS
Women 60 years or older were studied who were treated (n = 16) or not treated (n = 13) with HRT.


METHODS
Neuropsychological testing included tests of memory, verbal fluency, executive functions, attention and concentration, and psychomotor function. Tests of intellectual function, depressive symptoms, and emotional functioning assessed general functions and comparability of the groups.


METHODS
Neuropsychological testing scores were compared between groups.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences between the groups were found for general demographic, intellectual, and psychological measures. Scores from both the Weschler Memory Scale Visual Reproduction (delayed recall) and the Digit Vigilance Test (attention) showed statistically significant better performance and fewer errors in the group of women on HRT.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term postmenopausal HRT is associated with higher scores in tests of nonverbal memory and attention.
Smith
Y R
YR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. ysmith@umich.edu
Giordani
B
B
Lajiness-O'Neill
R
R
Zubieta
J K
JK
D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017698:Postmenopause; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects
D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol