Study Links Menopause to Grey Matter Loss in Key Brain Regions, Raising Dementia Concerns
Recent research from the University of Cambridge has identified a connection between menopause and changes in brain structure, specifically a reduction in grey matter volume in critical brain regions. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, involved nearly 125,000 women from the UK Biobank. It found that post-menopausal women exhibited significant reductions in grey matter, which is crucial for processing information, controlling movement, and supporting memory and emotional regulation. The affected areas include the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. The study also explored the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), noting that while it did not prevent brain changes, it was associated with a slower decline in reaction speed. The research highlights increased levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties among post-menopausal women, with those on HRT showing higher levels of anxiety and depression, potentially due to pre-existing conditions. 
