Alzheimer's disease: an estrogen link?

The prospect that Alzheimer's disease is caused by or related to estrogen deficiency, and treatable or even preventable by estrogen replacement therapy, is alluring. At present, evidence that Alzheimer's disease is an estrogen deficiency disease is lacking. However, there is much evidence that beneficial effects of estrogen replacement therapy on the areas of the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease may prevent or slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease or the expression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Given the proven value of estrogen replacement therapy for most women for other indications, this probable additional benefit is welcome. Further research is needed.