A new study has found that elevated cortisol levels in midlife are associated with increased brain amyloid deposition, a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease, specifically in post-menopausal women. Researchers tracked 305 cognitively healthy individuals over 15 years and discovered that high cortisol predicted amyloid buildup later in life, but only among women who had gone through menopause. The study suggests that hormonal changes may amplify cortisol’s harmful effects on brain health, highlighting the importance of early stress reduction and hormone-based strategies for Alzheimer’s prevention.
The findings have implications for understanding Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, particularly in post-menopausal women, who are at higher risk of developing the disease. The study’s lead author notes that identifying early risk factors is crucial, as it allows for interventions to be targeted during the preclinical stages of the disease.
While the study did not find a similar association with tau protein, another Alzheimer’s marker, it highlights the potential benefits of stress reduction and hormonal interventions in reducing Alzheimer’s risk. The researchers emphasize the need for further research on sex-specific differences and menopausal status in understanding Alzheimer’s disease development.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/cortisol-aging-alzheimers-28957