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Can Estrogens Prevent Neurodegeneration?

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Summary

Estrogen replacement therapy appears to have significant beneficial effects on cognition and mood in the elderly. In recent studies, its use has been associated with short term symptomatic cognitive improvement and with a decreased risk of (or a delay in) developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Clinical reports are supported by substantial basic scientific evidence of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Their specific effects on dementia and cognitive impairment remain to be delineated. Ongoing randomised trials in AD will only provide information on the symptomatic effects of estrogens. Although basic research will progress, there is currently sufficient knowledge to promote active clinical research on the possible disease-modifying or neuroprotective effects of estrogens in the elderly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM-400, Los Angeles, California, 90033, USA

    Lon S. Schneider

  2. Andrus Gerontology Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Caleb E. Finch

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  1. Lon S. Schneider
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  2. Caleb E. Finch
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Correspondence to Lon S. Schneider.

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Schneider, L.S., Finch, C.E. Can Estrogens Prevent Neurodegeneration?. Drugs & Aging 11, 87–95 (1997). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-199711020-00001

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