Hormone Modulating Therapy (HMT), commonly used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, has shown potential benefits beyond cancer treatment. A recent study suggests that HMT may also reduce the risk of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), in breast cancer patients. This finding opens up new possibilities for improving the overall health and well-being of individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
The study, which analyzed the health outcomes of 18,808 breast cancer patients aged 65 and older, revealed a 7 percent reduction in the risk of developing ADRD among those who received HMT. This protective effect was most noticeable in younger patients, particularly those aged 65 to 69, and diminished as patients aged, with a marked decline after the age of 80. The research underscores the importance of considering individual factors, such as age and race, when prescribing HMT, as the benefits may not be uniform across all patients.
The findings also highlighted racial disparities in the protective effects of HMT. Among women aged 65 to 74, Black women experienced a 24 percent reduction in dementia risk, compared to an 11 percent reduction in white women. However, these benefits were less pronounced in older age groups, particularly after the age of 75. The researchers suggest that higher rates of breast cancer and stress-related factors in Black women could contribute to these differences, warranting further investigation into the role of race in treatment outcomes.
While the study focused on older patients, it has significant implications for the growing number of breast cancer cases worldwide, including in regions like Kenya. In many parts of the world, including Kenya, breast cancer rates are rising, and HMT remains a critical treatment for two-thirds of patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors. However, dementia awareness and care are often limited, which can present challenges in managing the cognitive health of breast cancer survivors.
In Kenya, the lack of resources and low public awareness about dementia make it difficult to diagnose and manage the condition effectively. This highlights the need for healthcare systems to address both the physical and cognitive health of cancer patients, particularly as more individuals survive cancer and live longer lives. As breast cancer treatments like HMT improve survival rates, it is essential to consider the broader impacts on patients’ quality of life, including their cognitive health.
The study’s findings call for increased awareness among healthcare providers and patients about the potential cognitive benefits of cancer treatments. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to tailor treatment plans based on individual factors, such as age and race, to optimize both cancer and cognitive outcomes. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and cognitive exercises, can further support brain health and overall well-being.
Personalized care plans that take into account the unique needs of each patient are crucial for improving both cancer survival and cognitive health. By considering the potential for HMT to reduce dementia risk, healthcare providers can help patients make more informed decisions about their treatment options. This approach not only enhances the quality of life for breast cancer patients but also contributes to better long-term outcomes, both physically and cognitively.
