Menopausal Memory Loss Theory Tested By Michael O'Reilly, M.D. ThirdAge Reproductive Expert

You find yourself staring blankly into your closet, not knowing what you're looking for -- only to remember moments later once you've returned to the kitchen. Sound familiar?

You may be experiencing the phenomenon what scientists call "age associated memory impairment" (AAMI). As a normal consequence of aging, AAMI usually becomes noticeable around age 40. However, if you find yourself getting lost on the way home from the store, you could have a more serious memory problem such as Alzheimer's Disease, a type of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease affects more women than men, and occurs only after menopause, when a woman's estrogen levels have decreased. This, combined with the fact that estrogen promotes growth in brain memory, has researchers suspecting that estrogen may also play a role in memory preservation.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), then, may increase the levels of estrogen in areas of the brain that are tied to memory. In 1996, a large study was commissioned to examine the effects of Evista(R) (raloxifene HCl) on memory loss. Evista(R) is the latest of "designer estrogen" drugs that provide estrogen's benefits, but without the negative side effects, such as increased risk of breast cancer.

A total of 7478 postmenopausal women were enrolled and given a battery of tests measuring mental function, including memory, attention and concentration. The tests were given at the start of the trial, at six months and after the first, second and third years. One-third of the women took 60 mg of Evista, one-third took 120 mg and another third took a placebo (sugar pill).

While the researchers felt there was some evidence of an effect on verbal memory and attention, they concluded that Evista(R) had no overall effect on memory loss. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

- - - - -

Concerned about memory loss? Find out what's normal and how to enhance the memory you have.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Answers

Now that I've remembered to buy them, I take 1000U of vitamin E and ginseng caps to help my memory. I think they work--hell if I can remember how much I used to forget. I've laid off the gingko since I read the Graedons recently, where they said it can interact with OTCs and prescription meds.

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2001

I won't be around Friday. (Well, maybe first thing in the morning.) The firm's paralegals have been ordered to attend an all-day retreat. It's so we can get to know each other, but I'm finding I'm no good anymore at remember people's name, and not all that great at remembering faces any more. Hope there isn't a test afterwards.

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2001

Makes me think of the legendary Professor Spooner (Oxford, I think), who once said, "I remember your name perfectly--it's your face I have trouble with." Or words to that effect. He was more famous for wixing his mords, as in the introduction to a lecture, "As I survey these beery wenches. . ."

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2001