Skip to main content

Vasomotor Symptoms Linked to Increased Risk for Alzheimer Disease

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 27, 2023 -- Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), especially during sleep, are associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society, held from Sept. 27 to 30 in Philadelphia.

Rebecca C. Thurston, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues enrolled 274 late perimenopausal or postmenopausal women aged 45 to 67 years who had a uterus and at least one ovary. Women underwent assessment of their VMS, and the association with adverse AD biomarker profiles was examined. Data for the analysis were contributed by 248 participants.

The researchers observed an association for objectively assessed VMS, especially sleep VMS, with significantly lower amyloid β (Aβ)42/40. An increased likelihood of being in the low/abnormal Aβ42/40 cluster was seen in association with a greater number of sleep VMS (odds ratio, 1.18). After additional adjustments for estradiol and actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and wake after sleep onset, the findings remained significant.

"Given the adverse effect on quality of life and financial burden of AD, it's important that we learn as much as possible about potential causes and warning signs so we can be proactive before the onset of AD," Stephanie Faubion, M.D., medical director of the North American Menopause Society, said in a statement. "This study underscores the need for ongoing open dialogues between patients and their health care professionals so that any treatment options can be carefully considered."

Press Release

More Information

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Read this next

Risk for Depressive Symptoms Increased for Perimenopausal Women

THURSDAY, May 9, 2024 -- Perimenopausal women have an increased risk for depressive symptoms and diagnoses, according to a review published in the July 15 issue of the Journal of...

Higher Olive Oil Intake Tied to Lower Risk for Dementia-Related Death

WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2024 -- Higher olive oil intake is associated with a lower risk for dementia-related mortality in U.S. adults, according to a study published online May 6...

Surgical Premature Menopause Tied to Risk for Muscle Disorders

TUESDAY, May 7, 2024 -- Women experiencing surgical premature menopause (PM) have a higher likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders, according to a study published...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.