A degenerative brain disease that mostly affects older persons is Alzheimer's disease. Hormonal changes, particularly those associated with menopause, may increase Alzheimer's risk in women. Estrogen, which declines during menopause, has neuroprotective effects. Inflammation and changes in brain chemistry due to hormonal fluctuations might also play a role.
While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, several theories have been proposed in some review articles:
