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. About two-thirds of women going through menopause experience brain fog.

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?

In Memory & Dementia: Menopause & Memory the JH note:

“Some studies have linked a chemical imbalance (a drop in oestrogen) with memory and verbal function changes at this stage of a woman’s life. However, there are many other potentially stressful issues happening at the same time that need to be considered. Coping with teenagers, ageing parents with health problems, work, hot flushes, disturbed sleep, lack of libido and the effects of that on your relationship. These are all part of the context of your life stage and can certainly affect your memory”.5

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”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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”.9

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”.10

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”.11

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”.12

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 other…
  4. Stay organized…
  5. Sleep well…
  6. Eat a healthy diet…
  7. Manage chronic health problems…”.13

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”.14

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”.15

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”.16

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

  1. 4 Ways To Improve Focus and Memory
  2. 7 Habits Make for A Healthy Heart – and Brain, Too
  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
  7. Brain Health and Fish
  8. Brain-Building: How To Grow Your Cognitive Reserve
  9. ‘Brain Fog’ During Menopause Is Real – It Can Disrupt Women’s Work and Spark Dementia Fears
  10. Can Flavonoids Help Fend off Forgetfulness?
  11. Cardiovascular Risks May Be Worse for Thinking, Memory Skills In Middle-Aged Women
  12. Cognitive Health: Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not?
  13. Cognitive Effects of Long-Term Cannabis Use In Midlife
  14. Complaints of Reduced Cognitive Functioning During Perimenopause: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Japan Nurses’ Health Study
  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. Feeling Foggy and Forgetful?
  20. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  21. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  22. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  23. Foods Linked To Better Brainpower
  24. Four Studies Explore Women’s Brain and Heart Health During Midlife
  25. Healthy Body, Healthier Brain
  26. High Blood Pressure Speeds Cognitive Decline for Middle-Aged and Older Adults
  27. Hormone Links Exercise With Cognitive Benefits
  28. Hot Flashes, Anxiety and Menopause: What’s the Connection?
  29. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  30. How Exercise Protects Your Brain’s Health
  31. How Menopause Affects the Brain | Lisa Mosconi
  32. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  33. 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?
  34. Is Cognitive Performance of Women Sensitive To the Severity of Menopausal Symptoms? [+ Video Summary]
  35. 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
  36. Keeping Your Brain Sharp Isn’t About Working More Puzzles
  37. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  38. Loss of Executive Function With Aging Can Make Learning New Skills Hard
  39. Maximize Memory Function With A Nutrient-Rich Diet
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can the MIND Diet Improve Brain Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Menopause Cause Brain Fog? [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
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  44. Memory Loss In Women – Is It Age or Menopause?
  45. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and the Mind: The Role of Hormone Replacement In the Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Decline, Dementia, and Cognitive Dysfunction of Depression
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  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
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  50. Menopause Mindfulness: Living Your Best Work-Life Through the Menopause Transition
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  52. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated with Menopause and Midlife
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
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  56. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  57. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
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  60. Menopause and Brain Fog: What’s the Link?
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  64. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  65. Mood and the Menopause
  66. Mosconi: ‘Menopause Is A Neurologically Active State’
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary Supplements and Cognitive Function, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
  69. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  70. Oestrogen and Cognition In the Perimenopause and Menopause
  71. Perimenopause
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  73. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
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  74. Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health
  75. Probiotics May Help Boost Mood and Cognitive Function
  76. Strategies for Busting Up Brain Fog
  77. Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Cognition In Perimenopause: The Role of Risk Factors and Menopausal Symptoms
  78. The Best Foods To Eat for Better Memory and Brain Health
  79. The Brain and Memory: Understanding How the Brain Thinks
  80. The Fog of Menopause
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  84. The Relation Between Sex, Menopause, and White Matter Hyperintensities: The Rhineland Study
  85. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
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  87. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  88. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  89. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  90. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  91. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How To Protect Your Brain Health At Menopause and Beyond
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  95. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
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  97. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  98. World Menopause Day 2022
  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: 18 September 2023
  2. Menopause Glossary: C – Cognitive Function. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#C Accessed: 18 September 2023
  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: 18 September 2023
  4. Feeling Foggy and Forgetful? What Is Midlife Brain Fog? September 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/memory-dementia Accessed: 18 September 2023
  5. Memory & Dementia: Menopause & Memory. 26 August 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/memory-dementia Accessed: 18 September 2023
  6. 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: 18 September 2023
  7. 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: 18 September 2023
  8. 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: 18 September 2023
  9. 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: 18 September 2023
  10. 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: 18 September 2023
  11. 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: 18 September 2023
  12. The Fog of Menopause: Steps To Sooth and Sharpen Your Mind. 13 December 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/the-fog-of-menopause Accessed: 18 September 2023
  13. Healthy Aging – Memory Loss: 7 Tips To Improve Your Memory. 05 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518 Accessed: 18 September 2023
  14. 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: 18 September 2023
  15. World Menopause Day 2022. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2022/ Accessed: 18 September 2023
  16. Healthy Aging: – Memory Loss: 7 Tips To Improve Your Memory: When To Get Help for Memory Loss. 05 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518 Accessed: 18 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 19 November 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 September 2023

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