As life expectancy continues to increase, so does the prevalence of age-related diseases, such as dementia.

With more women opting to start families later in life, the question of whether the timing of reproduction plays a role in dementia risk has become a topic of interest for researchers. In this article, we explore the link between female reproductive age and dementia and the factors that may be contributing to the association.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive functioning that affects daily life activities. Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

Other types of dementia include Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Huntington’s disease. Dementia can affect memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior, which can make it difficult for individuals to carry out daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and hygiene.

The symptoms of dementia worsen over time, making it a progressive disease with no known cure.

What is Reproductive Age in Women?

Reproductive age, also known as childbearing age, is the period of life during which a woman is able to conceive and carry a child to term. The age at which women typically enter reproductive age varies, but it generally falls between ages 15 and 49.

Women’s reproductive capacity generally declines after age 30 and drops notably after age 35. At age 45 and above, it is uncommon for a woman to conceive naturally without the use of assisted reproductive technology.

The Link Between Reproductive Age and Dementia in Women

Several studies have investigated the possible link between reproductive age and dementia in women. A 2014 study published in Neurology suggested that women who experience menopause before age 45 are at a higher risk of developing dementia.

The study analyzed data from more than 15,000 women aged 40-55 over a span of 28 years and found that women who experienced menopause before age 45 were 28% more likely to develop dementia. Another study published in JAMA Neurology in 2018 found a similar association.

The study analyzed data from over 15,000 women who had not undergone a hysterectomy or oophorectomy and concluded that women who had their last menstrual period at age 45 or younger had a 28% greater risk of developing dementia compared to women who had their last menstrual period at age 46 or older.

One theory for the link between reproductive age and dementia is that hormonal changes during and after menopause may increase the risk of brain changes that lead to cognitive decline.

Estrogen, which is a hormone produced by the ovaries, is known to help regulate brain function. As women age and enter menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which may pave the way for Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Factors That May Contribute to the Association

While the link between reproductive age and dementia is becoming more evident, it is important to note that other factors may also contribute to the association.

For instance, women who have menopause early are more likely to have other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk of dementia. Women who experience early menopause may also have a genetic predisposition to dementia or may be exposed to environmental factors that increase the risk of the disease.

Additionally, women who have children later in life may be more likely to have higher education levels and greater social and emotional support, all of which are associated with a reduced risk of dementia.

Conclusion

While the link between reproductive age and dementia is still being explored, research indicates that women who have menopause earlier in life may be at a higher risk of developing dementia.

However, other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors may also contribute to the association. It is important to note that dementia is a complex disease, and more research is needed to better understand the link between reproductive age and the risk of dementia.