Natural oestrogen patch improves memory
A ‘skin patch’ of natural oestrogen can improve memory in women with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study.
A ‘skin patch’ of natural oestrogen can improve memory in women with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study.
The new study examined 43 post-menopausal women with Alzheimer’s, including some who wore a patch delivering oestradiol, a natural form of oestrogen. After three months, those women fared better on certain memory tests than before than similar women who did not wear the patch.
The treatment is different from conjugated equine oestrogen, a synthetic form of the hormone found in the pill Premarin, which is a prescription treatment used after menopause to reduce hot flashes and help reduce a woman’s risk of osteoporosis.
A landmark 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study reported that this form of oestrogen therapy increased the risk of dementia. Since this time, the use of oestradiol and research on it has increased.
The study at UW-Madison, suggested oestradiol can reduce the severity of Alzheimer’s-related memory problems, lead researcher Whitney Wharton said.
“Women who are going through menopause should consider talking to their doctors about taking oestradiol not only as a way to fight the symptoms of menopause but also as a cognitive benefit now and later,” Ms Wharton said.
The study conducted by Wharton was published last week in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The findings build on earlier studies by Dr Sanjay Asthana, director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre, which showed the clinical benefits of oestradiol.
Laboratory studies suggested the hormone breaks down Alzheimer’s-related amyloid plaques in the brain, unlike most drugs used which merely “treat” symptoms.
A study comparing oestradiol and conjugated equine oestrogen in more than 700 women shortly after menopause is expected to yield results soon.
