Long-term estrogen replacement is associated with improved nonverbal memory and attentional measures in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: To determine the cognitive domains improved or preserved by long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Design: A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered to healthy postmenopausal women who had been treated or not treated with long-term HRT without interruption since menopause. Setting: Women were recruited by advertisement from a university town and surrounding areas. Patient(s): Women 60 years or older were studied who were treated (n = 16) or not treated (n = 13) with HRT. Intervention(s): Neuropsychological testing included tests of memory, verbal fluency, executive functions, attention and concentration, and psychomotor function. Tests of intellectual function, depressive symptoms, and emotional functioning assessed general functions and comparability of the groups. Main Outcome Measure(s): Neuropsychological testing scores were compared between groups. Result(s): No statistically significant differences between the groups were found for general demographic, intellectual, and psychological measures. Scores from both the Weschler Memory Scale Visual Reproduction (delayed recall) and the Digit Vigilance Test (attention) showed statistically significant better performance and fewer errors in the group of women on HRT. Conclusion(s): Long-term postmenopausal HRT is associated with higher scores in tests of nonverbal memory and attention.