A study published in the journal Menopause suggests that increased fat around the abdominal area (visceral fat) during and after the perimenopausal period may be associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairment.
The accumulation of this fat is linked to lower estrogen levels, impaired insulin response, and increased inflammation, negatively impacting memory and executive brain functions. Visceral fat is more dangerous than other types of fat because it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
The study included over 700 women aged 42 to 58 years in early menopause (less than 36 months since their last menstrual period). Central obesity was assessed using the waist-to-hip ratio, and the women were divided into three groups: one group receiving oral estrogen, one group using transdermal estradiol, and one group receiving a placebo.
The results showed that women with higher waist-to-hip ratios performed worse on cognitive tests, particularly in visual attention and executive functions, over the four-year study period. No significant difference was observed between hormone therapy and placebo in maintaining cognitive abilities.
The researchers stressed the importance of focusing on preventing cognitive decline in the early postmenopausal stage, even in women who have a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
