Cognitive and brain health in women with early bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Implications for risk, resilience, and subjective cognitive decline
Dementia and cognitive decline are twice as likely for women. It seems that oestrogen is neuro-protective and premature menopause which occurs after removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries accelerates this process.
It has been well known that dementia in the elderly has been associated with this surgical procedure. This article looks at younger women and measures the impact on their neurological status after surgery before the age of 49 by comparing the outcomes with age-matched controls and a group of BRCA positive women.
Standard testing for cognitive decline includes short-term memory tests, logical thought and depression.All participants had MRI brain imaging looking for decrease in brain volumes.
Results from the retrospective study showed loss of cognitive function for women who had early surgery when compared to both control groups. This was associated with decreased brain volumes. Many participants across all 3 groups reported subjective memory loss. Those women also had decreased brain volume especially in sub-occipital regions known to be important for cognitive function.
The results suggest a further need for full informed consent prior to possible life-changing surgery.
subjective memory loss. Those women also had decreased brain volume especially in sub-occipital regions known to be important for cognitive function.
The results suggest a further need for full informed consent prior to possible life-changing surgery.
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