Oklahoma Researcher Testing How Estrogen Affects Alzheimer's Disease

A medical researcher in Oklahoma scientist is examining whether an estrogen boost can delay or possibly prevent Alzheimer's disease in women.

Funded by a $248,000 grant from the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Sarah Ocanas with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will examine whether an estrogen boost can delay or possibly prevent the disease in post-menopausal women.

"It's really exciting," Ocanas said. "I think women are really understudied." 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans, primarily women over 65, have the disease, and that figure is expected to double by 2050. 

OMRF said that women are more likely than men to suffer worse symptoms due to a menopausal hormone decline. 

Dr. Ocanas said she is looking at specific genetic factors and possible hormone replacements so that doctors will be able to use a new approach of personalized medicine.

"Doctors can test her hormone levels and her genetic risk factors," Ocanas said. "Then they can create and tailor a treatment approach based on those things." 

Thanks to the grant, Ocanas said her research is funded for the next three years. 

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Oklahoma City is set to take place on Oct. 28 at Scissortail Park.

For more on the Walk to End Alzheimer's, click here.