Estrogen replacement therapy for Alzheimer disease in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical utility of oral conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with Alzheimer disease. DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified through MEDLINE (1997-January 2002). Key search terms included Alzheimer disease, estrogen replacement therapy, and treatment. DATA SYNTHESIS: Estrogen has been identified as a neuroprotective agent with possible application in degenerative disorders. Observational studies have demonstrated an association between estrogen replacement therapy and decreased incidence of Alzheimer disease. Two recent, controlled clinical trials have evaluated the role of oral conjugated estrogen in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials indicate that oral conjugated equine estrogen is not an effective treatment for Alzheimer disease in postmenopausal women.

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