A new study suggests the menopause transition leaves fingerprints in the blood that track with Alzheimer’s risk. Here is what the research found. Scientists followed 80 women aged 43 to 58 and identified 16 blood molecules that shifted during menopause: inflammation rose as oestrogen fell, and Alzheimer’s-linked proteins climbed with the hormone FSH.

The pattern held in 2,800 women from the UK Biobank, and in nearly 12,000 older women the highest marker levels meant about 15 percent higher Alzheimer’s risk. Does this mean menopause causes dementia? Not proven.

The study shows a link, not cause and effect, and most women who go through menopause never develop dementia. Why it matters: the markers could one day flag who might benefit from closer monitoring or future preventive care. What is next: researchers want to test whether treatments that ease the hormonal transition also calm these blood signals.

Women with concerns about memory changes should speak to their doctor rather than seeking tests alone.