🧠 Midlife Cortisol Levels Linked to Increased Alzheimer's Risk in Postmenopausal Women
New research highlights the impact of stress hormones on brain health
A recent study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has uncovered a significant link between elevated cortisol levels during midlife and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. The findings, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that stress management during midlife could be crucial in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life.UT Health San Antonio
🔬 The Study: Investigating Cortisol and Alzheimer's Risk
The research team analyzed data from 305 cognitively unimpaired participants in the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term, community-based cohort study. Participants had their serum cortisol levels measured in midlife, with follow-up positron emission tomography (PET) imaging conducted approximately 15 years later to assess amyloid and tau protein deposition in the brain—hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.UT Health San Antonio+2UT Health San Antonio+2Scholars @ UT Health San Antonio+2Scholars @ UT Health San Antonio+1UT Health San Antonio+1
Key findings include:
Elevated midlife cortisol levels were associated with increased amyloid deposition in the brains of postmenopausal women, particularly in regions such as the posterior cingulate, precuneus, and frontal-lateral areas.Scholars @ UT Health San Antonio
No significant association was found between cortisol levels and tau protein deposition or in male participants.Scholars @ UT Health San Antonio
These results suggest that hormonal changes during menopause may amplify the effects of cortisol on amyloid accumulation, potentially increasing Alzheimer's risk.
🧠 Understanding Cortisol's Role in Brain Health
Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays a vital role in the body's response to stress. However, chronic elevation of cortisol levels has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including impaired memory and reduced brain volume. This study adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can have detrimental effects on brain health, particularly in women undergoing menopausal transitions.
💡 Implications for Alzheimer's Prevention
The study's findings underscore the importance of early identification and management of Alzheimer's risk factors. By recognizing the impact of midlife stress and hormonal changes on brain health, interventions can be tailored to mitigate these risks. Potential strategies include:Scholars @ UT Health San Antonio+2UT Health San Antonio+2UT Health San Antonio+2
Stress Reduction Techniques: Incorporating practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity to manage stress levels.
Hormonal Interventions: Exploring the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in mitigating the effects of menopause-related hormonal changes on brain health.
Regular Health Screenings: Monitoring cortisol levels and cognitive function during midlife to identify individuals at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Arash Salardini, associate professor of cognitive and behavioral neurology at UT Health San Antonio and lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of these findings:Scholars @ UT Health San Antonio+3UT Health San Antonio+3UT Health San Antonio+3
"Our work shows that considering sex and hormonal status in understanding Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is important, and suggests that stress reduction and hormonal interventions may hold promise for Alzheimer's prevention, especially in at-risk women."UT Health San Antonio
📚 Study Reference
Salardini, A., Himali, J. J., Abdullah, M. S., Chaudhari, R., Young, V., Zilli, E. M., McGrath, E. R., Gonzales, M. M., Thibault, E. G., Salinas, J., Aparicio, H. J., Himali, D., Ghosh, S., Buckley, R. F., Satizabal, C. L., Johnson, K. A., DeCarli, C., El Fakhri, G., Vasan, R. S., Beiser, A. S., & Seshadri, S. (2025). Elevated serum cortisol associated with early-detected increase of brain amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease imaging biomarkers among menopausal women: The Framingham Heart Study. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 21(4), e70179. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70179
For more information on this study and other research initiatives, visit UT Health San Antonio Newsroom.UT Health San Antonio+3UT Health San Antonio+3UT Health San Antonio+3
