Study shows earlier menopause, poor heart health can affect brain
New Delhi, Oct 21
Women experiencing earlier menopause can affect heart health, and can together affect brain and cognitive performance, according to a study on Tuesday.
While previous studies have established that earlier menopause is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s dementia later in life, little is known about the combined impact of earlier age at menopause and reduced cardiac function on brain and cognitive outcomes, the team said.
Reduced cardiac function can affect brain health by limiting the essential supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This reduced blood flow can damage brain tissue, contribute to silent strokes, and increase the risk of dementia, underscoring the critical connection between heart and brain health.
The new study suggests that an early menopause negatively influences the associations between cardiac function and gray matter volume, white matter hyperintensity burden, and cognitive performance.
“We still don’t fully understand how menopause, and especially earlier menopause, affects brain aging. By examining the intersection of heart and brain health, we were keen to shed light on this important but often overlooked area of research,†said lead author Tallinn Splinter, from the University of Toronto, Canada.
The study, presented at the ongoing 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Orlando, involved more than 500 participants to investigate whether earlier age at menopause influences the association between cardiac function and brain.
Cardiac function was assessed using resting left ventricular ejection fraction measured on cardiac MRI. Brain MRI was used to quantify grey matter volume and white matter hyperintensity burden.
Cognition was assessed with standardised neuropsychological tests.
The researchers found that earlier menopause and reduced cardiac function may have a compounding negative effect on brain health.
“These findings underscore the importance of integrating sex-specific factors, such as age at menopause, into research on dementia risk and informing targeted prevention and intervention strategies,†said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a doctor, I appreciate this research. In India, women's health issues are often dismissed as "normal aging." This study shows we need better screening and preventive care for menopausal women. Heart health checkups should be routine.
My aunty experienced early menopause at 42 and now has heart issues. She's only 55 but already showing memory problems. This research validates what we've seen in our family. More studies needed for Indian population specifically! 💔
While the research is valuable, I wish the study included more diverse populations. Most participants were likely from Western countries. Indian women might have different risk factors due to diet, lifestyle, and genetic variations.
This is eye-opening! We need to talk more openly about menopause in Indian families. It's not just "hot flashes" but serious health implications. Time to prioritize women's health beyond reproductive years. 👩â€âš•ï¸
As someone whose mother is going through this, I appreciate this information. We need to support the women in our lives better during this transition. Regular exercise and healthy diet can make a big difference for both heart and brain health.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.