Estrogen replacement therapy: a perspective on cognitive impact.
Studies suggest that use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) after menopause may be beneficial toward preservation of cognitive functioning. However, potentially confounding variables such as alcohol consumption are typically not systematically considered. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ERT users and nonusers differ with regard to memory and concentration ability when potential confounds are eliminated. Alcohol consumption was included as an independent variable so that ERT by alcohol interactions could be examined. One-hundred-sixty-two postmenopausal women participated in the study and were classified as moderate drinkers or teetotalers. Logical Memory (Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised), Digit Span (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised) and the Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Memory subscale were administered. No main effects of ERT were found. However, ERT by alcohol interactions among some Digit Span Forward variables were observed. We conclude that confounding variables such as alcohol consumption, may be at least partly responsible for observed differences in cognition commonly attributed to ERT.
Tivis
L J
LJ
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Studies, Oklahoma Center for Alcohol and Drug-Related Studies, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73104, USA. Laura-Tivis@ouhsc.edu
Nixon
S J
SJ
Green
M D
MD
D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause
D004967:Estrogens