Rommel and colleagues present a systematic review examining the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants on physical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric outcomes in children 4 years of age or older.Â
 While we know that PTSD is about twice as common in women as men, most PTSD research has focused on PTSD in men, most commonly male veterans.  A recent study, reviewed in Medscape, evaluated [...]
This article in Psychiatric Times reviews some interesting research which suggests that drugs which modulate the estrogen receptor may improve cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Â This is the first study to show that oral [...]
Several years ago, we reviewed a paper suggesting that estrogen may be a beneficial treatment for women with schizophrenia. Â In this study, patients with schizophrenia were treated with estrogen. Â There was significant improvement in their [...]
Early observational studies suggested that postmenopausal hormone treatment may improve cognitive functioning in women; however, studies from the Women’s Health Initiative have shown that estrogen replacement therapy started in postmenopausal women (65 years or older) [...]
A recent study of 2507 menopausal women suggests that menopausal women with higher caffeine intake are more likely to have hot flashes and night sweats; however, they have fewer problems with mood, memory, and concentration. [...]
Previous studies have shown that the abrupt hormonal changes that occur after a surgical menopause (i.e., removal of the ovaries) negatively affect cognition in women. According to a recent study, "Women who were younger at the time of surgical menopause have a more rapid rate (steeper slope) of cognitive decline than women who were older at the time of surgery or than women undergoing natural menopause." Earlier age at menopause was also associated with increased Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology, in particular neuritic plaques.
During pregnancy, many women complain that they feel more forgetful or less sharp than before their pregnancy.
Soy-based products have long been touted as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, many of the clinical studies measuring the effectiveness of dietary sources of soy isoflavones (e.g., soy beverages, soy powder) for the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms (i.e., hot flushes, night sweats) have been negative. Less is known about the effects of soy on cognition. A large clinical trial suggests that soy may not have any positive effects on cognition in postmenopausal women.
While earlier observational studies suggested that postmenopausal hormone treatment may improve cognitive functioning in women, studies from the Women's Health Initiative have shown that estrogen replacement therapy started in postmenopausal women (65 years or older) did not enhance cognitive functioning nor did it decrease the risk of dementia.
