Estrogen replacement therapy for Alzheimer disease in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical utility of oral conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with Alzheimer disease.


METHODS
Literature was identified through MEDLINE (1997-January 2002). Key search terms included Alzheimer disease, estrogen replacement therapy, and treatment.


RESULTS
Estrogen has been identified as a neuroprotective agent with possible application in degenerative disorders. Observational studies have demonstrated an association between estrogen replacement therapy and decreased incidence of Alzheimer disease. Two recent, controlled clinical trials have evaluated the role of oral conjugated estrogen in the treatment of Alzheimer disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical trials indicate that oral conjugated equine estrogen is not an effective treatment for Alzheimer disease in postmenopausal women.
Owens
Christopher T
CT
College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Campus Box 8356, Pocatello, ID 83209-8356, USA, cjnowens@msn.com
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017211:Treatment Failure
D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)