Study Links Earlier Menopause to Declining Heart and Brain Health

Women experience a heightened risk of developing both cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease compared to men. Recent research indicates that an earlier age at menopause may exacerbate the connection between cardiac function and brain health. This study, involving over 500 participants, will be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society, taking place in Orlando from October 21 to 25.

The heart and brain are intricately linked, with reduced cardiac function potentially limiting the vital supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This diminished blood flow can lead to brain tissue damage, contribute to silent strokes, and increase the risk of dementia. Studies have shown that earlier menopause is correlated with a greater likelihood of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s dementia as women age.

Despite these established connections, the combined influence of earlier menopause and reduced cardiac function on cognitive outcomes has not been extensively studied. The recent investigation aims to fill this gap by exploring how earlier menopause impacts brain health and cognitive function.

Participants in the study underwent assessments for cardiac function, which included measuring the resting left ventricular ejection fraction via cardiac MRI. Brain health was evaluated using brain MRI to quantify gray matter volume and white matter hyperintensity burden, while cognitive performance was tested with standardized neuropsychological assessments.

The research accounted for variables such as age, ethnicity, years of education, hormone therapy, and other health indicators, including visceral adipose tissue and systolic blood pressure. Preliminary findings suggest that earlier menopause and reduced cardiac function may have a compounded adverse effect on brain health.

The research team, led by Tallinn Splinter from the University of Toronto and the Sunnybrook Research Institute, aims to shed light on an often-overlooked area of study. “We still don’t fully understand how menopause, and especially earlier menopause, affects brain aging,” Splinter stated. “By examining the intersection of heart and brain health, we hope to contribute valuable insights into this critical research area.”

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society, emphasized the importance of incorporating sex-specific factors such as age at menopause into research on dementia risk. These findings could inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies that address the unique health challenges women face as they age.

As the study approaches presentation at the annual meeting, it promises to provide further evidence of the intricate relationship between cardiovascular health, menopause, and cognitive outcomes, highlighting the necessity for continued research in this vital field.