EARLY MENOPAUSE AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND DEMENTIA PREVENTION

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects women, with early menopause acting as a potential accelerating factor for neurodegeneration due to the premature loss of estradiol (E2), an essential hormone for brain and synaptic homeostasis. This integrative review aimed to investigate the impact of early menopause on the neurodegenerative acceleration associated with the risk of developing AD in women. This integrative review is based on the PRISMA protocol guidelines. The search was conducted using the descriptors "Early menopause" and "Alzheimer Disease" (AND operator) for original articles published between 2021 and 2026, available in full text in English and Portuguese. Of the 166 studies identified, 5 were duplicates; after screening and applying eligibility criteria, 45 literature reviews and 12 misaligned studies were excluded, resulting in 11 original studies selected for the final synthesis. The studies demonstrated that the early reduction of E2 compromises the blood-brain barrier, triggers neuroinflammation, and reduces hippocampal neurogenesis. This creates a window of vulnerability that promotes the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and the collapse of the tau protein, accelerating synaptic loss. Female reproductive history may constitute a clinical marker for AD risk. Early diagnosis and timely intervention strategies are essential to mitigate cognitive impairment and ensure quality of life for women.