How menopause affects women's brain health and thinking skills

EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE TRANSITION ON BRAIN STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND COGNITION

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10909115

This study is looking at how menopause affects the brain and thinking skills in women aged 40-59, and it aims to help us understand how changes during this time might influence brain health and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909115 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of menopause on brain structure, function, and cognitive abilities in women aged 40-59. By collecting brain and cognitive data over a period of up to 10 years, the study aims to understand how menopause symptoms and hormonal changes influence brain health. Participants will undergo assessments at multiple visits to track changes across different stages of menopause, providing valuable insights into cognitive aging and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study emphasizes the importance of sex differences in brain health during midlife.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are women aged 40-59 who are experiencing menopause or are in the menopause transition.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 40-59 or those who are not experiencing menopause may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive health in women undergoing menopause.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of menopause on cognitive health, indicating that this approach is building on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.