Alzheimer's Society comment on research into Hormone Replacement Therapy, memory loss and Alzheimer's disease

Scientists halted a large clinical trial comparing HRT to a dummy treatment, when results suggested some women taking HRT had an increased risk for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. There was no evidence of reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

HRT has previously been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women in less rigorous studies. This could be because women taking HRT are also doing other things to preserve their health and reduce their risk.

Alzheimer's Society does not recommend taking HRT as a way of reducing the risk of dementia. Using HRT as a treatment or preventative measure against Alzheimer's disease would mean giving drugs, which can produce side-effects, to women without symptoms.

• BBC News article on this story  

Professor Clive Ballard,
Director of research
Alzheimer's Society 

Note to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

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