# Follicle-stimulating hormone linked to cognitive decline and amyloid burden in postmenopausal women

## TL;DR

High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone in postmenopausal women are linked to cognitive decline and increased brain amyloid buildup, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

## Contribution

This study identifies FSH as a novel risk factor for cognitive decline and amyloid pathology in postmenopausal women.

## Key findings

- Higher FSH levels correlate with worse cognitive performance and increased cerebral amyloid-beta deposition.
- FSH's effect on cognition is mediated through increased amyloid burden in the brain.
- Estradiol levels showed no significant association with cognitive outcomes or amyloid pathology.

## Abstract

Women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than men, with hormonal changes during menopause being a potential factor. However, the exact relationship between these hormonal changes, cognitive function, and AD pathology is not fully understood. This study investigates the differential associations between serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels with cognitive function and cerebral amyloid-βeta (Aβ) deposition, quantified using amyloid positron emission tomography, in postmenopausal women across the spectrum from cognitively normal aging to AD dementia.

A total of 884 postmenopausal women, aged 60 years or older, were enrolled in the study. Participants were classified into three groups based on their cognitive function: cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD dementia.

Higher FSH levels were associated with poorer cognitive performance and greater cerebral Aβ deposition in postmenopausal women. FSH levels were highest in women with AD dementia, followed by those with MCI, and lowest in CN participants. No significant relationship was observed between estradiol levels and cognitive outcomes or Aβ burden. Further analysis showed a positive correlation between FSH levels and global as well as regional cerebral Aβ deposition. Mediation analysis indicated that FSH’s impact on cognitive function was mediated by cerebral Aβ burden. Estradiol levels, however, had no significant association with either cognitive performance or Aβ pathology.

Elevated FSH, not low E2, is linked to cognitive decline and Aβ pathology in postmenopausal women. FSH may be a key risk factor for cerebral Aβ deposition and cognitive decline in older women. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved and explore hormonal interventions for AD.