Women who go through menopause earlier may face an increased risk to both heart and brain health, according to new research released on Tuesday.
While earlier studies have already linked premature menopause with greater chances of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease later in life, the research team noted that little has been known about how an early menopause, combined with weaker heart function, might jointly influence brain structure and cognitive performance.
The researchers explained that reduced cardiac function can restrict the brain’s vital supply of oxygen and nutrients.
This limited blood flow may harm brain tissue, cause silent strokes, and heighten the risk of dementia, highlighting the close relationship between the heart and the brain.
The study indicates that an early menopause may worsen the relationship between heart performance and key brain markers, including grey matter volume, white matter hyperintensity, and overall cognitive ability.
“We still don’t fully understand how menopause, and especially earlier menopause, affects brain aging. By examining the intersection of heart and brain health, we were keen to shed light on this important but often overlooked area of research,” said lead author Tallinn Splinter from the University of Toronto, Canada.
Presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Orlando, the study involved over 500 participants to determine whether earlier menopause alters the connection between heart function and brain health.
How the Research Conducted?
Researchers measured cardiac performance using resting left ventricular ejection fraction from cardiac MRI scans, while brain MRI scans assessed grey matter volume and white matter hyperintensity.
They evaluated cognitive ability through standardised neuropsychological assessments.
The results suggest that earlier menopause and diminished cardiac function may together worsen brain health outcomes.
“These findings underscore the importance of integrating sex-specific factors, such as age at menopause, into research on dementia risk and informing targeted prevention and intervention strategies,” stated Dr Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director of The Menopause Society.
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