Scientists have identified blood markers that may explain why the menopause transition raises the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers tracked 80 women aged 43 to 58 and found 16 molecules in the blood that shifted with menopause. Inflammation rose as oestrogen fell, and Alzheimer’s-linked proteins increased alongside the hormone FSH.

The patterns were confirmed in more than 2,800 women from the UK Biobank. In a larger group of nearly 12,000 older women, those with the highest levels of these markers faced about 15 percent higher risk of Alzheimer’s. The researchers stress the study shows a link, not proof of cause, and that most women who go through menopause do not develop dementia.

Experts say the findings could eventually help identify women who might benefit most from early monitoring or future preventive treatments. The team says further trials are needed before the markers can guide treatment decisions.