Hormone therapy for breast cancer may be linked with lower dementia risk: Study
A recent study has found that hormone modulating therapy (HMT) for breast cancer is associated with a 7% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) later in life. This research emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans for breast cancer patients, according to senior author Dr. Francesmary Modugno, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
The study highlights that while HMT offers general protection against dementia, its effectiveness diminishes with age and varies by race. Approximately two-thirds of breast cancer patients have hormone receptor-positive tumors, which respond to estrogen or progesterone. HMT works by preventing these hormones from binding to specific receptors, thus slowing tumor growth.
To investigate the link between HMT and dementia risk, Dr. Modugno and lead author Dr. Chao Cai analyzed data from over 18,000 women aged 65 and older who were diagnosed with breast cancer from 2007 to 2009. None had a prior ADRD diagnosis or HMT history before their cancer diagnosis.
Among the patients, 66% received HMT within three years of diagnosis. Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, 24% of HMT users developed ADRD compared to 28% of non-HMT users. Notably, the protective effect of HMT was strongest in women aged 65 to 69 but less pronounced in those over 80.
“Our findings suggest younger women may benefit more from HMT in terms of reduced dementia risk,” said Dr. Cai. Black women aged 65 to 74 using HMT showed a 24% reduction in ADRD risk, which declined to 19% after age 75, while white women in the same age range had an 11% reduction that vanished after 75.
The study also indicated that the type of HMT used influenced dementia risk, with selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors showing varied effects. These therapies may affect brain health by mimicking estrogen and influencing factors related to beta-amyloid clearance and vascular health.
Dr. Modugno noted the significance of addressing racial disparities in breast cancer treatment and outcomes. “Black women face higher rates of breast cancer and adverse outcomes due to structural factors, warranting further investigation into the disparities in HMT and ADRD risk.”
This study was limited to patients aged 65 and older, prompting plans for future research to include younger women to gain a comprehensive understanding of the link between HMT and dementia risk.
The research contributes to an evolving dialogue on the intersection of cancer treatment and long-term cognitive health, with potential implications for clinical practice and patient management strategies.
