Phytoestrogens and Cognition in Menopause

描述（由申请人提供）：雌激素产生多种复杂的 通过各种机制影响大脑。积累的数据 表明，这些行动介导的认知和情绪的增强作用， 以及预防与年龄和疾病相关的认知脑功能障碍 下降植物雌激素已被证明具有雌激素活性。他们一直 研究了心血管功能的益处， 骨，并降低患癌症的风险，但几乎没有前景 研究对心理功能的影响。此外，植物雌激素 一般不会被医生用于心理健康影响。 然而，许多经历围绝经期和绝经后症状的妇女消耗 市售的植物雌激素，特别是大豆衍生的大豆产品， 对一般健康益处的看法，包括可能增强的心理健康， 功能这项探索性研究的目标是开发初步数据 关于植物雌激素在改善 中老年绝经后妇女认知功能的研究 记忆障碍的症状，因此增加了发展的风险， 进行性痴呆，如阿尔茨海默病？的疾病。第二个目标是 检查基础皮质醇水平的变化，作为评估 对内分泌参数的干预， 海马功能，尤其是老年人。我们将进行为期16周的 在一项随机、双盲、 安慰剂对照研究，年龄55至75岁的绝经期妇女， 健忘等认知能力下降的症状，但不符合 可能是痴呆的标准我们将评估神经心理学的变化 执行功能能力和情景记忆的措施，在基础皮质醇 水平和情绪。我们期望， 对这一高危人群的干预反应将建立 为今后更全面地研究剂量、机制和 效果的持续时间。最终，这样的研究可能会建立基础， 使用异丙肾上腺素作为替代治疗， 一般的健康益处，没有传统激素相关的风险 替代疗法

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Estrogens produce a multitude of complex effects in the brain by means of a variety of mechanisms. Accumulating data has indicated that these actions mediate enhancing effects on cognition and mood as well as perhaps prophylaxis against age-and disease-related cognitive-cerebral decline. Phytoestrogens have demonstrated estrogenic activity. They have been studied with respect to benefits for cardiovascular function, preservation of bone, and reduction of risk for cancer, but there is little prospective research regarding effects on mental function. In addition, phytoestrogens generally are not prescribed by practitioners for mental health effects. However, many women experiencing peri-and post-menopausal symptoms consume marketed phytoestrogens, in particular soy-derived isoflavone products, under the perception of general health benefits, including presumably enhanced mental function. The goal of this exploratory research is to develop preliminary data regarding the efficacy of isoflavone phytoestrogens in producing improvement in cognitive function in late middle-aged and elderly postmenopausal women with symptoms of memory impairment and, therefore, increased risk for development of progressive dementia such as Alzheimer?s Disease. A secondary goal will be to examine changes in basal cortisol levels, as a means of assessing the effect of the intervention on an endocrine parameter that has significance for hippocampal function, particularly in the aged. We will administer a 16-week protocol of isoflavone supplementation in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to menopausal women aged 55 to 75 years with forgetfulness and other symptoms of cognitive decline, but who do not meet criteria for probable dementia. We will assess changes in neuropsychological measures of executive function ability and episodic memory, in basal cortisol levels, and in mood. It is our expectation that the demonstration of positive responses to this intervention in this at-risk population will establish the basis for future, more comprehensive studies of dosage, mechanisms, and duration of effect. Ultimately, such research may establish the basis for the use of isoflavones as an alternative treatment that would provide mental and general health benefits without the risks associated with traditional hormone replacement therapies.