Hot flashes, menopause and Alzheimer’s
A hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hot flashes experienced by women, especially around their 40s, are often a potential sign they may be in the perimenopause stage or have reached menopause.
However, according to new research, hot flashes may also be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors presented the results of the study at the 2023 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Philadelphia.
Women and Alzheimer’s
The new study builds on previous research on hot flashes and brain health. It is important to identify such symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s for early detection and treatment, especially in case of women, as more than two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease are women.
Why women experience hot flash in menopause
“More than 80% of women going through menopause may experience hot flashes, and that number can be even higher in those with abrupt onset of menopause like those with surgically-induced menopause who had their ovaries removed,” Healthline quoted Asima Ahmad, MD, MPH, FACOG, Carrot Fertility’s chief medical officer and co-founder and a practicing reproductive endocrinologist.
“In that setting, it is thought that the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps regulate our body temperature, can cause a more extreme response, causing feelings of extreme heat, dilating the blood vessels, and sweating to cool off the body,” she added.
About the study
Researchers examined vasomotor symptoms — or hot flashes and night sweats — in 248 people with a uterus and at least one ovary ages 45-67. The participants were either late-perimenopausal or postmenopausal.
The researchers found that women who have hot flashes or night sweats, particularly during sleep, may have a higher risk for Alzheimer’s. However, it is important to note that correlation does not equal causation.
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No cause for panic
The new research is not a cause for panic. “Hot flashes and night sweats are both hallmark symptoms which are experienced frequently by menopausal women, related to decreased estrogen levels that occur during menopause,” Healthline quotes Nikhil Palekar, MD, the director of the Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease and director of the Stony Brook Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials Program. “More longitudinal studies are needed to closely examine the relationship between decreased estrogen levels and risk for Alzheimer’s.”
However, it is important for patients to discuss their symptoms with their doctors for a proper diagnosis.
Tips for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s
According to experts, there are several lifestyle tips that can help to decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s. It is important to manage any pre-existing chronic condition you have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to a 2020 CDC study, people with worsening chronic conditions were more likely to experience memory problems.
Further, eating nutritious foods with low salt can help. Choose leafy green vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, antioxidant-rich fruits, olive oil, salmon and lean forms of poultry in moderation. Exercising is also important. Incorporate jogging, biking, or brisk walking for 150 minutes per week.
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