The effect of hormone replacement therapy on cognitive function in post-menopausal women.
BACKGROUND
Despite interest in causes of dementia in older persons, particularly in post-menopausal women, it is unclear whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a risk factor.


OBJECTIVE
To assess cognitive function in post-menopausal women with high educational status receiving HRT, compared to non-users.


METHODS
Cognitive functioning was assessed with in women aged 55-60 years with at least university-level education, using the Mindstreams system, a computerized cognitive battery with multiple domains.


RESULTS
Of 165 women meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 82 women (49.7%) declined participation. Of the remaining 83, 40 (48.2%) had never received HRT; the remainder was divided into women receiving 5-9 years HRT (n = 29)versus those with >or=10 years HRT (n = 11). There were no statistically significant differences between HRT users and non-users in global scores or sub-domains of cognitive functioning, and no difference between those women receiving HRT for 5-9 years vs. >or=10 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term HRT does not appear to impair cognitive functioning in highly-educated women. Recommendations regarding post-menopausal HRT should be made on an individual basis.
Gaucher Clinic, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, One Bazak Road, Jerusalem 91031, Israel.
R
R
Lavi
G M
GM
Doniger
E
E
Simon
D
D
Hochner-Celnikier
A
A
Zimran
D
D
Elstein
D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004522:Educational Status; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance