Response to the paper by Carranza-Lira S et al. The relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and cognitive function and depression in postmenopausal women. Prz Menopauz 2023; 22: 21-23

Menopause Review an article titled The relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and cognitive function and depression in postmenopausal women [1].The authors wrote: Atherosclerosis, cognitive impairment, and depression are common entities in postmenopausal patients.Our aim was to ascertain the relationship between the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and cognitive function and depression in postmenopausal women [1].Seventy-five patients (with a median age of 52 years) were included in their observational, cross-sectional, comparative study among postmenopausal women.To assess for mental function the mini-mental state examination and for depression the Hamilton depression rating scale were used [1].Intima-media thickness ultrasound was performed in all subjects.Intima-media thickness was greater in the group with depression (n = 45) than in the group without depression (n = 30) (IMT 1.2 mm [0.7-2.0 mm] vs. IMT 0.9 mm [0.6-1.9 mm] p-value 0.001); IMT was greater in the group with cognitive impairment (n = 19) than in the group without cognitive impairment (n = 56) (IMT 1.5 mm [0.7-2.0 mm] vs. 1.0 mm [0.6-1.9 mm] p-value 0.001) [1].The authors concluded that increased IMT is associated with a higher risk of depression and cognitive impairment [1].Some comments are needed to evaluate the results and conclusions of this study in a more balanced way.