Estrogen replacement therapy is associated with less progression of subclinical structural brain disease in normal elderly women: a pilot study.

Background: Cortical atrophy, central atrophy, deep white-matter hyperintensities, and periventricular hyperintensities are reported in normal aging.

Objectives: We examined the effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on these forms of 'subclinical structural brain disease' (SSBD) in normal, postmenopausal women in a pilot, naturalistic, longitudinal study of 15 subjects.

Methods: Two assessments were performed at least two years apart, with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing.

Results: Women receiving open-label ERT showed significantly less progression of SSBD than those who did not.

Conclusions: The association between reduced SSBD progression and ERT suggests this intervention could help preserve normal brain structure in healthy elderly women.