Recent study shows that estrogen may be linked to Alzheimer's disease in older men

Mirjam Geerlings, associate professor of the Julius Center, was involved in this study which resulted in a higher risk for Alzheimer's with increasing levels of estrogen.

Men typically have lower levels of the hormone estrogen than women. However, after menopause women have lower estrogen levels than men of the same age. Over an average of six years, researchers evaluated hormone levels and cognitive function in 2,974 men ages 71 to 93. The production of estrogen involves aromatase, an enzyme that, in some cases, may serve as a marker for Alzheimer's. Previous research found a similar link in women. More studies are required. This research was conducted in co-operation with Dr Lenore Launer from the National Institute on Ageing, N.I.H, USA.