A recent study presented at the American Neurological Association meeting suggests that the timing of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly impacts Alzheimer's disease risk in post-menopausal women. The analysis of 53 studies involving over 8.4 million participants revealed that starting HRT within five years of menopause is associated with a 32% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's. In contrast, randomized-controlled trials indicated a 38% higher risk for those on HRT, likely due to older average participant age. Experts emphasize that menopause represents a neurological transition, and early HRT may help mitigate neurodegeneration linked to declining estrogen levels. However, if the brain has already adapted to lower estrogen, HRT may be less effective. Further research is needed to clarify these findings and guide women's health decisions regarding HRT.