Background: The most potent form of estrogen, 17-beta-estradiol, has been well-established in reproductive development. However, more recently, 17-beta-estradiol has been shown to mediate a non-reproductive role on cognition. The presence of specific synthesis precursors and receptors in the brain allow 17-beta-estradiol to mediate cognitive protection. The concern to examine the role of 17-beta-estradiol on cognitive function has also attracted interest due to its involvement in diseases associated with rapid cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Design: This review used a compilation of five studies to demonstrate the influence of 17-beta-estradiol on cognition using both qualitative and quantitative data. The research was also conducted on female rat models.  

Results: The studies demonstrate the synthesis of 17-beta-estradiol and increased concentration of ER-beta receptors within the brain, which improved memory recall. They also investigated neuroprotective functions of 17-beta-estradiol that were mediated by increased dendritic spine density, altered density spine morphology, increased myelinated fibers as well as pre/post-synaptic protein interaction with 17-beta-estradiol.   

Conclusion: The studies demonstrate a beneficial effect of 17-beta-estradiol on cognitive functions such as memory recall and neuroprotective functions to prevent rapid cognitive decline, especially in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. These findings serve as an advantageous platform to develop hormone therapy treatments with 17-beta-estradiol to prevent cognitive decline in the aging brain and outweigh many of the controversial issues of hormone therapy on cardiovascular and breast cancer events.

References:

1. “Estradiol and cognitive function: Past, present and future” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4318702/