WEDNESDAY, Sept. 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), especially during sleep, are associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society, held from Sept. 27 to 30 in Philadelphia.

Rebecca C. Thurston, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues enrolled 274 late perimenopausal or postmenopausal women aged 45 to 67 years who had a uterus and at least one ovary. Women underwent assessment of their VMS, and the association with adverse AD biomarker profiles was examined. Data for the analysis were contributed by 248 participants.

The researchers observed an association for objectively assessed VMS, especially sleep VMS, with significantly lower amyloid β (Aβ)42/40. An increased likelihood of being in the low/abnormal Aβ42/40 cluster was seen in association with a greater number of sleep VMS (odds ratio, 1.18). After additional adjustments for estradiol and actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and wake after sleep onset, the findings remained significant.

“Given the adverse effect on quality of life and financial burden of AD, it’s important that we learn as much as possible about potential causes and warning signs so we can be proactive before the onset of AD,” Stephanie Faubion, M.D., medical director of the North American Menopause Society, said in a statement. “This study underscores the need for ongoing open dialogues between patients and their health care professionals so that any treatment options can be carefully considered.”

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