Removing ovaries before natural menopause can cause short-term memory issues and raise dementia risk later in life. Dr. Gillian Einstein, Research Chair in Women’s Brain Health & Aging at the University of Toronto, found that early oophorectomy affects associative memory and sleep. At the same time, long-term studies link it to Alzheimer’s and vascular-related brain changes. Though the surgery remains vital for women with BRCA mutations, understanding these risks helps guide monitoring and prevention—from managing heart health to staying mentally active and getting quality sleep. Hormone replacement therapy (especially before age 40) may ease some effects but isn’t a cure-all. “Estradiol is important, but not a silver bullet,” says Dr. Einstein. Understanding the hormonal and vascular effects of ovarian removal helps women make fully informed choices, take preventive steps, and maintain brain health across the lifespan. Dr. Einstein’s WBHI-supported research continues to explore ways to protect cognition through anti-inflammatory treatments, brain training, such as piano lessons, and pre- and post-surgery testing to help women make fully informed choices. Comment *MOM* and we’ll send you the link to read the full article from the latest volume of Mind Over Matter magazine. (fb)

Removing ovaries before natural menopause can cause short-term memory issues and raise dementia risk later in life. Dr. Gillian Einstein, Research Chair in Women’s Brain Health & Aging at the University of Toronto, found that early oophorectomy affects associative memory and sleep. At the same time, long-term studies link it to Alzheimer’s and vascular-related brain changes. Though the surgery remains vital for women with BRCA mutations, understanding these risks helps guide monitoring and prevention—from managing heart health to staying mentally active and getting quality sleep. Hormone replacement therapy (especially before age 40) may ease some effects but isn’t a cure-all. “Estradiol is important, but not a silver bullet,” says Dr. Einstein. Understanding the hormonal and vascular effects of ovarian removal helps women make fully informed choices, take preventive steps, and maintain brain health across the lifespan. Dr. Einstein’s WBHI-supported research continues to explore ways to protect cognition through anti-inflammatory treatments, brain training, such as piano lessons, and pre- and post-surgery testing to help women make fully informed choices. Comment *MOM* and we’ll send you the link to read the full article from the latest volume of Mind Over Matter magazine. (fb)