Effects of oestrogen on mood, memory and quality of life of women aged 70 years or over [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Osvaldo Almeida (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Samuel Vasikaran ,  Prof Leon Flicker ,  Prof Peter Leedman

Brief description Oestrogen has a number of actions that extend well beyond the regulation of the reproductive cycle and sexual behaviour. The results of recent studies indicate that oestrogen may influence mood and a number of intellectual abilities such as memory and language. In addition, oestrogen replacement therapy seems to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (the most frequent cause of dementia in Western societies) amongst postmenopausal women. The present study aims to: (1) investigate the association of depression and memory performance with physiological levels of oestrogen in women aged 70 years or over; and (2) investigate the evolution of depression and memory scores in old women treated with oestrogen replacement therapy as compared to placebo. The results of the present study may have important implications in the prevention and management of two of the most relevant mental health disorders of later life: depression and Alzheimer's disease.

Funding Amount $AUD 170,990.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant