Hormone modulating therapy (HMT) used to treat breast cancer has been linked to a 7% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias later in life, as per a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. The study, one of the largest of its kind, indicates that while HMT offers protection against dementia, this association varies with age and race.
Francesmary Modugno, a senior author of the study and a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, highlights the importance of considering individual patient factors in breast cancer treatment to optimize outcomes and minimize risks. Approximately two-thirds of breast cancer patients have tumors that respond to hormones, and HMT can block these hormones from fueling tumor growth, ultimately improving survival rates. However, the impact of HMT on the risk of developing dementia has been debated.
The study, led by Chao Cai from the University of South Carolina, utilized data from a federal database to analyze over 18,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2007 and 2009. It found that HMT use within three years of diagnosis was associated with reduced risk of dementia, with the most significant benefit observed in patients aged 65 to 69 which decreased with age. Interestingly, patients over 80 using HMT showed an increased risk of dementia.
Cai suggests that younger women may benefit more from HMT in terms of dementia risk reduction, emphasizing the importance of timing in treatment initiation. Variations in the risk reduction were also observed based on race, with black women experiencing higher benefits at a younger age compared to white women.
The study underscores the need for tailored treatment plans considering individual patient factors in breast cancer care. Different types of HMT have varying impacts on dementia risk, with estrogen playing a crucial role in influencing this risk. Further research is necessary to understand the intricate relationship between HMT, estrogen, and dementia risk.
Although the study only included participants over 65, future research will include younger women to gain a comprehensive understanding of the association between HMT and dementia risk. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Carolina Center on Alzheimer’s Disease and Minority Research, and the University of Pittsburgh Dean’s Faculty Advancement Fund.
