A Lifecourse Perspective on Female Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Later Life Cognition

Overview

Journal Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep

Specialty Neurology

Date 2021 Jul 6

PMID 34227023

Citations 13

Authors

Amalia Peterson

Sarah E Tom

Affiliations

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Abstract

Purpose Of Review: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is greater in women compared to men. We provide a review of female sex-specific risk factors across the lifecourse for cognition in older adulthood, highlighting areas that need further study.

Recent Findings: Pregnancy may affect late-life cognition, with adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline but parity providing a protective effect. Cumulative estrogen exposure, influenced by age of menarche, menopause, and exogenous estrogen use, may modify a woman's risk for dementia. Menopause transition-associated symptoms may impact cognitive health at the time of the symptoms, but long-term effects remain unknown. As compared to natural menopause, surgical menopause seems to increase the risk for cognitive impairment. Studies that have assessed the association between women's reproductive health and cognition have produced conflicting results. Future studies that address these inconsistencies among diverse populations are needed to better care for women throughout their lives.

Citing Articles

Number of children and risk of dementia: a cohort study.

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Lifetime history of gestational diabetes and cognitive function in parous women in midlife.

Soria-Contreras D, Wang S, Liu J, Lawn R, Mitsunami M, Purdue-Smithe A Diabetologia. 2024; 68(1):105-115.

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Higher Number of Children Is Associated With Increased Risk of Generalization Deficits in Older African American Women.

Abedullah S, Fausto B, Osiecka Z, Gluck M J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2024; 79(8).

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Connections between reproductive health and cognitive aging among women enrolled in the HCHS/SOL and SOL-INCA.

Stickel A, Tarraf W, Kuwayama S, Wu B, Sundermann E, Gallo L Alzheimers Dement. 2023; 20(3):1944-1957.

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Hormonal contraception and risk for cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in young women: a scoping review of the evidence.

Gregory S, Booi L, Jenkins N, Bridgeman K, Muniz-Terrera G, Farina F Front Glob Womens Health. 2023; 4:1289096.

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