B B Sherwin1. 1. Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. bsherwin@ego.psych.mcgill.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review and critically analyze the biological plausibility of and the clinical empirical evidence concerning a link between estrogen levels and memory in women. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search of the literature published from 1980 to 1998. Studies published between 1952 and 1980 that were known to the author were also included. STUDY SELECTION: Sixteen prospective, placebo-controlled studies in humans. DATA SYNTHESIS: Most of the studies that used neuropsychological tests with known reliability and validity found that estrogen maintained aspects of memory in women. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen specifically maintains verbal memory in women and may prevent or forestall the deterioration in short- and long-term memory that occurs with normal aging. There is also evidence that estrogen decreases the incidence of Alzheimer disease or retards its onset or both.
OBJECTIVE: To review and critically analyze the biological plausibility of and the clinical empirical evidence concerning a link between estrogen levels and memory in women. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search of the literature published from 1980 to 1998. Studies published between 1952 and 1980 that were known to the author were also included. STUDY SELECTION: Sixteen prospective, placebo-controlled studies in humans. DATA SYNTHESIS: Most of the studies that used neuropsychological tests with known reliability and validity found that estrogen maintained aspects of memory in women. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen specifically maintains verbal memory in women and may prevent or forestall the deterioration in short- and long-term memory that occurs with normal aging. There is also evidence that estrogen decreases the incidence of Alzheimer disease or retards its onset or both.
Authors: C Kawas; S Resnick; A Morrison; R Brookmeyer; M Corrada; A Zonderman; C Bacal; D D Lingle; E Metter Journal: Neurology Date: 1997-06 Impact factor: 9.910