A new large-scale scientific study has suggested that menopause may be associated with structural changes in the brain that resemble patterns often seen in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, raising fresh questions about women’s neurological health in midlife. Researchers who analysed brain scans of nearly 125,000 women found that participants who had reached menopause showed reduced grey matter in key regions of the brain responsible for memory, emotion and cognitive processing.
Grey matter plays a critical role in information processing and decision-making. According to the study, the most notable changes were observed in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, areas vital for forming and recalling memories. These regions are also among the first to be affected in Alzheimer’s disease, prompting scientists to explore whether hormonal changes during menopause could influence long-term brain health.
Experts involved in the research were quick to clarify that menopause does not cause Alzheimer’s disease. However, they noted that the hormonal transition may increase vulnerability to certain neurological changes. Estrogen, which declines significantly during menopause, is known to support brain metabolism, neuronal communication and synaptic strength. Its reduction may therefore contribute to observable changes in brain structure.
Beyond brain imaging, many women experience cognitive and emotional symptoms during menopause, including memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and depression, often described as “brain fog.” The researchers say the study provides some of the strongest evidence yet that these experiences may be linked to measurable physical changes in the brain.
The findings may also help explain why women account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases worldwide. Scientists believe a complex mix of biological, hormonal and genetic factors, alongside lifestyle and environmental influences, contributes to the higher dementia risk observed among women.
While the study advances understanding of menopause-related brain changes, researchers caution that further investigation is needed. Ongoing and future studies aim to determine whether the observed reductions in grey matter translate into long-term cognitive decline, and whether interventions such as hormone therapy, physical activity or other lifestyle modifications could help reduce dementia risk in post-menopausal women.
