Hormone Therapy in Postmenopausal Women

Before 2002, hormone therapy (HT) was commonly prescribed to restore naturally diminishing hormonal levels during and after menopause. HT was also thought to prevent many health conditions faced by menopausal women, including osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Support for these claims came primarily from epidemiological studies and basic research suggesting biological plausibility. Women now live a third of their life beyond ovarian function cessation. Given that cognitive impairment and dementia increase with age, increasing life expectancy may result in greater public health consequences. This chapter reviews the potential risks and benefits of HT, with a focus on cognitive function. It also discusses the implications of menopausal HT on cognitive impairment and dementia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for aging women.