13 Jul Estrogen Patch in Newly Postmenopausal Women May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Kejal Kantarci

Kejal Kantarci, M.D. M.S.
Professor of Radiology
Division of Neuroradiology

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: A rapid decline in estrogen with menopause may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease risk in women. This study was conducted in newly postmenopausal women who received 17β-Estradiol via a skin patch or conjugated equine estrogen orally or placebo.

Those who received 17β-Estradiol patch had reduced β-amyloid deposits, the plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, three years after the end of the hormone therapies.

In the study, women with APOE e4 — one form of the most common gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease — who received the 17β-Estradiol patch had lower levels of β-amyloid deposits than those who received placebo.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: This study showed, for the first time, that the β-amyloid amyloid deposition ─ a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease ─ is reduced in newly postmenopausal women who received 17β-Estradiol patch form of hormone therapy. Women with the APOE e4 allele, who have a greater genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, particularly benefited from this therapy.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Our results need to be confirmed in the larger group of women. We are seeking funding to perform amyloid PET imaging at eight KEEPS study sites around the U.S.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: If confirmed in a larger group of KEEPS participants, this finding has the potential to change the concepts for preventive interventions that drive the Alzheimer’s disease field today, and may have a significant impact on women making the decision to use hormone therapy in the early postmenopausal years.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:
Early Postmenopausal Transdermal 17β-Estradiol Therapy and Amyloid-β Deposition, DOI: 10.3233/JAD-160258,
http://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad160258

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on July 13, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD