HRT and cognitive function

In the last two decades, the cognitive functioning of ageing females and the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the subject of many studies. The results have been contradictory; while in some studies a beneficial effect has been found, other studies have shown no effect. This discrepancy may be due to different populations, methods and administrations of HRT. It seems reasonable to state that many postmenopausal women may retain a high cognitive ability without any additional benefit from HRT, while some postmenopausal women may gain benefit from the therapy. It remains to further investigations to define and detect those subjects who might gain significant advantage from the treatment. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.