Raloxifene May Not Cut Risk of Alzheimer's Like Estrogen

Raloxifene, an estrogen alternative, may not increase cognitive function or reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's like real estrogen, according to researchers at the University of California at San Francisco.

Raloxifene is an osteoporosis drug that mimics estrogen in strengthening bones, but without the increased risk of breast cancer.

Researchers conducted a cognitive test in a large, randomized clinical trial of raloxifene in women with osteoporosis. Researchers compared the effects of raloxifene with those of placebo and after three years, there were no differences between the raloxifene and placebo groups in the frequency of cognitive decline or in the occurrence of dementia.

There was some indication that raloxifene may lower the risk of decline in verbal memory and attention, but more study is needed, said the researchers.

Researchers speculate that although raloxifene passes the blood-brain barrier, it either does not have sufficient estrogen-like activity or does not stimulate the appropriate estrogen receptors in the brain.

Other sources: New England Journal of Medicine, AP