Higher Estrogen Levels Are Not Associated With Larger Hippocampi and Better Memory Performance

Authors:
  • MGMirjam I. Geerlings
    Mirjam I. Geerlings
  • AHAlbert Hofman
    Albert Hofman
  • FJFrank H. de Jong
    Frank H. de Jong
  • LLLenore J. Launer
    Lenore J. Launer
  • HPHuibert A. P. Pols
    Huibert A. P. Pols
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Abstract
AFTER MENOPAUSE, women have low levels of circulating estrogens. Observational studies reported a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease (AD) in postmenopausal women using estrogen replacement therapy.1,2 In animals, estrogens protect hippocampal neurons exposed to amyloid β,3 improve synapse formation on dendritic spines in the hippocampus,4 and promote survival of hippocampal neurons, acting in concert with growth factors.5 Estrogen receptors are located throughout the brain, but especially in the hippocampus.6 Given the beneficial effects of estrogens on the hippocampus in animals, it has been hypothesized that estrogens may prevent hippocampal atrophy, a key feature of AD.7 The hippocampus plays a pivotal role in memory function and is one of the first regions affected in AD.8 The aim of this study was to investigate whether higher endogenous levels of estradiol were associated with larger hippocampal volumes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and better memory performance. We examined this hypothesis in a population-based study of older women and men who did not have dementia.

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