LONDON, December 29, 2025 13:02:00 — Worried hormone therapy might protect your brain as you age? New research suggests it doesn’t. A comprehensive study reveals there’s currently “no evidence” that drugs used to treat menopausal women either increase or decrease their risk of dementia.
HRT and Cognitive Decline: What the Latest Findings Mean
A large review of existing data found no significant link between hormone therapy and mild cognitive impairment.
- Researchers from University College London, with support from the University of Exeter, conducted the study.
- The research focused on whether hormone therapy – also known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT – impacted the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- The findings were part of a broader review commissioned by the World Health Organisation.
- Experts emphasize the need for further research, but the results align with current clinical guidance.
The study, conducted by University College London with support from the University of Exeter, reviewed the impact of hormone therapy – also known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT – on the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI causes problems with a person’s memory or thinking, but isn’t as debilitating as dementia.
Is hormone therapy linked to a lower risk of dementia? The findings, part of a larger review commissioned by the World Health Organisation, suggested there was “no significant association” between HRT and the risk of MCI. This means that, based on current data, HRT doesn’t appear to offer protection against cognitive decline.
Experts say while more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between hormones and brain health, these findings “reinforce current clinical guidance.” The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that HRT’s benefits are primarily related to managing menopausal symptoms, rather than preventing long-term cognitive issues.
Did you know? Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition where people have more memory or thinking problems than normal for their age, but these problems don’t yet interfere significantly with their daily lives.
The research team emphasized the importance of continuing to investigate potential risk factors for dementia, but cautioned against relying on HRT as a preventative measure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and social engagement, remains the best approach to supporting brain health as we age.
