Menopause Memory

“Menopause brain fog is a group of symptoms
that happens around the time of the menopause, including
difficulty remembering words and numbers…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Memory Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Brain Fog
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Changes/Difficulties/Lapses
  • Cognitive Function
  • Concentration Changes/Difficulties/Lapses
  • Disorientation
  • Memory Changes/Difficulties/Lapses
  • Mental Confusion

Cognitive Function

What is cognitive function?

DotS the definition of cognitive function may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:

“Cognitive function. Conscious intellectual activity (thinking, reasoning, remembering)”.2

Brain Fog

What is brain fog?

DotS the definition of brain fog may vary. On page one in their Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: What Is Menopausal Brain Fog? published October 2022, the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) definition is:

“Menopause brain fog is a group of symptoms that happens around the time of the menopause, including difficulty remembering words and numbers, disruptions in daily life (misplacing items like keys), trouble concentrating (absent mindedness, losing a train of thought, being more easily distracted), difficulty switching between tasks, forgetting the reason for doing something (like why you came into a room), and forgetting appointments and events”.3

In Feeling Foggy and Forgetful? What Is Midlife Brain Fog? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

Menopause Memory“Brain fog is not a medical term, but most people agree that it’s perfect for describing some of the symptoms women experience during menopause.

The symptoms, common at midlife, might include forgetting names or struggling to concentrate, walking into a room only to wonder why you went in there in the first place. Fortunately, the experts believe they are temporary”.4

Cause

What may cause menopause memory difficulties?

On page three in their Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: What Is Menopausal Brain Fog? the IMS explain:

“These memory complaints may be caused by rising and falling hormones levels, especially estrogen, and by some menopause symptoms, like the hot flushes, sleep disturbances and mood changes. If you have moderate to severe hot flushes, especially at night, you may find your memory is affected”.5

Alzheimer’s Disease?

Is There A link With Alzheimer’s Disease?

In ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears: Is There A link With Alzheimer’s Disease? the authors explain:

“Because similar symptoms may present during menopause and the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (forgetfulness and word-finding difficulties) perimenopausal women can become concerned about dementia.

Women should be reassured that dementia that begins before age 65 – called young onset dementia – is not common (unless there is a family history of early-onset dementia). Forgetfulness and other cognitive difficulties during the menopausal transition are common and a normal part of menopause”.6

In Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? the (United States) National Institute on Aging also note and elaborate on:

“In most people with the disease — those with the late-onset type — symptoms first appear in their mid-60s”.7

Hormone Therapy

Does hormone therapy have a clear benefit on cognitive function?

In ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears: What Can Help? the author’s note:

“Although fluctuations and an eventual decline in estrogen play a role in cognitive difficulties, the use of hormone therapy does not appear to have a clear benefit on cognitive function (but evidence remains limited).

More research is needed to determine whether lifestyle factors can help menopausal brain fog. We do know exercise can improve cognition during midlife, mindfulness and meditation may be helpful”.8

On page two in their Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: What Role Does Menopausal Hormone Therapy Play In My Brain Health? the IMS explain:

“Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective way to treat menopausal symptoms. Treating menopausal symptoms with MHT may improve your brain fog. You may be concerned that if you are using MHT to help alleviate hot flushes you may increase your risk for dementia. However, research has shown us that if you are healthy and start your MHT early in menopause it appears to be safe for cognition. And, if you are using estrogen therapy alone it seems to be safe even in late menopause for cognitive function. MHT may help your memory problems but is not recommended at any age to treat memory difficulties or prevent cognitive decline or dementia. Treatment with estrogen therapy is advised if you have had an early menopause, or your ovaries have been removed causing a surgical menopause. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare practitioner”.9

Protect Your Brain

How can we protect our brain?

In ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears: What Can Help? the authors explain:

“Avoiding illicit drugs, prescription medication overuse, smoking and excessive alcohol may be protective. A diet that includes plant-based unprocessed foods (such as a Mediterranean diet), close social bonds and engagement, and a higher level of education have been broadly linked to better cognitive functioning during later life”.10

In The Fog of Menopause: Steps To Soothe and Sharpen Your Mind the JH elaborate on:

“For those looking to improve their brain fog, and soothe and sharpen their mind, Assoc Prof Gurvich suggests the following:

  • Exercise is hugely beneficial
  • Mindfulness and meditation can be helpful in reducing levels of anxiety and stress
  • Boost your thinking skills through activities that challenge your brain in an enjoyable way. These might include learning a new language or a musical instrument or doing puzzles
  • Avoid illicit substances, smoking, or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
  • Eat a Mediterranean diet. A diet rich in antioxidants is vital for brain health and the richest sources of these are found in brightly coloured vegetables and fruits – staples of the Mediterranean diet
  • Use a diary or a list to help put some structure in place to reduce anxiety. Take notes, use calendars and reminders”.11

In Memory Loss: 7 Tips To Improve Your Memory the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on each of these 7 tips:

“Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, some activities might help. Consider seven simple ways to sharpen your memory. And know when to get help for memory loss.

  1. Be physically active every day…
  2. Stay mentally active…
  3. Spend time with others…
  4. Stay organized…
  5. Sleep well…
  6. Eat a healthy diet…
  7. Manage chronic health problems…”.12

On page three in their Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: Twelve Ways To Protect Your Brain the IMS explain:

  • “A healthy heart goes hand in hand with a healthy brain
  • Menopause MemoryGet regular check-ups – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are harmful for brain health
  • Watch your weight with a healthy BMI 18-25 and set a goal to your lower blood pressure to 120 mm Hg
  • Cut down on starchy, fatty, sugary foods, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A nutritious Mediterranean style diet is easy to follow
  • Engage in regular physical activity – increased cardiovascular fitness decreases risk of dementia
  • Break a sweat with a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly
  • A healthy life style includes getting enough sleep, and minimizing stress
  • Stop smoking and drink in moderation
  • Protect your head from injury and try to avoid second-hand tobacco smoke and air pollution
  • Challenge and exercise your brain by learning new skills, reading and volunteering
  • Stay connected – social engagement can boost your brain health
  • Find ways to be part of your local community and share quality time with family and friends”.13

World Menopause Day 2022

What was the IMS’s theme for WMD 2022?

In World Menopause Day 2022 the IMS announced:

“The theme for World Menopause Day 2022 is Cognition and Mood”.14

Menopause Memory

Videos and Podcasts

What were the IMS’s Videos and Podcasts for WMD 2022?

In Videos and Podcasts the IMS include:

Videos and Podcasts

Health Care Provider

What if I am concerned about my memory?

If you are concerned about your memory, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The Mayo Clinic note:

“If you’re worried about memory loss, make an appointment with your health care provider. If memory loss affects your ability to do your daily activities, if you notice your memory getting worse, or if a family member or friend is concerned about your memory loss, it’s particularly important to get help”.15

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Memory?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Memory?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

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  3. Ask Early Menopause [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. Associations Between Pituitary-Ovarian Hormones and Cognition In Recently Menopausal Women Independent of Type of Hormone Therapy
  5. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  6. Boost Your Brain Health With A Rainbow Diet
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  9. Brainwork: The Power of Neuroplasticity
  10. ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears
  11. Can Flavonoids Help Fend off Forgetfulness?
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  13. Cognitive Health: Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not?
  14. Cognitive Effects of Long-Term Cannabis Use In Midlife
  15. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  16. Does HRT Prevent Dementia? Or Cause It? Women’s Health Experts PROF Annice Mukherjee and Prof Joyce Harper Have Studied ALL the Research To Cut Through the Hype and Give the Definitive Answer
  17. Don’t Believe the Hype. Menopausal Women Don’t All Need To Check – or Increase – Their Testosterone Levels
  18. Dr. Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  19. Everything You Need To Know About Menopausal Brain Fog but Are Afraid To Ask — and No, ‘You’re Not Losing Your Mind’
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  21. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  22. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  23. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  24. Foods Linked To Better Brainpower
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  27. High Blood Pressure Speeds Cognitive Decline for Middle-Aged and Older Adults
  28. Hormone Links Exercise With Cognitive Benefits
  29. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
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  31. How Menopause Affects the Brain | Lisa Mosconi
  32. How To Handle Menopause Brain Fog
  33. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
  34. I am 53 years old and losing my memory. My last menstrual period was two years ago. In those two years, my memory has gotten terrible. Is this related to loss of hormones?
  35. Is Cognitive Performance of Women Sensitive To the Severity of Menopausal Symptoms? [+ Video Summary]
  36. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  37. Keeping Your Brain Sharp Isn’t About Working More Puzzles
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  39. Lisa Mosconi: Research Is ‘Validating … Women’s Experiences’
  40. Management of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
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  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can the MIND Diet Improve Brain Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Menopause Cause Brain Fog? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
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  99. World Menopause Day 2022: Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  100. Young Onset Dementia: Perimenopause and Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. World Menopause Day 2022: Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: What Is Menopausal Brain Fog? 2022: 1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 12 March 2024
  2. Menopause Glossary: C – Cognitive Function. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#C Accessed: 12 March 2024
  3. World Menopause Day 2022: Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: What Is Menopausal Brain Fog? 2022: 1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 12 March 2024
  4. Feeling Foggy and Forgetful? What Is Midlife Brain Fog? Last Updated: 17 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/memory-dementia Accessed: 12 March 2024
  5. World Menopause Day: Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties in Menopause: What Is Menopausal Brain Fog? 2022: 2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 12 March 2024
  6. Gurvich, C. Zhu, C. Arunogiri, S. ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears: Is There A Link With Alzheimer’s Disease? 14 December 2021 https://theconversation.com/brain-fog-during-menopause-is-real-it-can-disrupt-womens-work-and-spark-dementia-fears-173150 Accessed: 12 March 2024
  7. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Content Reviewed: 08 July 2021. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease Accessed: 12 March 2024
  8. Gurvich, C. Zhu, C. Arunogiri, S. ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears: What Can Help? 14 December 2021 https://theconversation.com/brain-fog-during-menopause-is-real-it-can-disrupt-womens-work-and-spark-dementia-fears-173150 Accessed: 12 March 2024
  9. World Menopause Day: Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: What Role Does Menopausal Hormone Therapy Play In My Brain Health? 2022: 2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 12 March 2024
  10. Gurvich, C. Zhu, C. Arunogiri, S. ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears: What Can Help? 14 December 2021 https://theconversation.com/brain-fog-during-menopause-is-real-it-can-disrupt-womens-work-and-spark-dementia-fears-173150 Accessed: 12 March 2024
  11. The Fog of Menopause: Steps To Sooth and Sharpen Your Mind. 13 December 2021. Last Updated: 17 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/the-fog-of-menopause Accessed: 12 March 2024
  12. Healthy Aging – Memory Loss: 7 Tips To Improve Your Memory. 07 March 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518 Accessed: 12 March 2024
  13. World Menopause Day 2022: Patient Information Leaflet – Brain Fog and Memory Difficulties In Menopause: Twelve Ways To Protect Your Brain. 2022: 3. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 12 March 2024
  14. World Menopause Day 2022. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 12 March 2024
  15. Healthy Aging: – Memory Loss: 7 Tips To Improve Your Memory: When To Get Help for Memory Loss. 07 March 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518 Accessed: 12 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 10 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 March 2024

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