Hormone therapy was once linked to dementia. A huge study found it might lower risk

New research suggests hormone replacement therapy (HRT) started in the late 40s–early 50s can modestly lower dementia risk and help protect the aging brain.
Timing matters: beginning HRT too late (eg, in your 60s) may have no benefit and could possibly be harmful — experts call it a "window of opportunity."
Hot flashes and night sweats can be a signal to talk with your doctor: specialists increasingly see early HRT as a safe option for symptom relief and for protecting heart, bone, and brain health.

Hormone therapy was once linked to dementia. A huge study found it might lower risk — if you start early enough.