How menopause affects women's brain health and thinking skills
Official title: EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE TRANSITION ON BRAIN STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND COGNITION
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10909115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $251,235 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG073585-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are women aged 40-59 who are experiencing menopause or are in the menopause transition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 40-59 or those who are not experiencing menopause may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maki, Pauline M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Maki, Pauline M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.