Many older adults may worry about early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia when experiencing common memory lapses. These include losing a train of thought, forgetting familiar words, or wondering why they entered a room. Medical experts note that such brain blips are often linked to hormonal shifts later in life, especially for women who lose estrogen during perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, neurology professor at UCLA and co-founder of Cleopatra RX, advises women experiencing midlife memory struggles to compare their cognitive function to their own past performance. This self-assessment can provide insights into whether their issues stem from hormone changes rather than serious cognitive decline.
“I think they should listen to themselves,” Voskuhl stated at the Livelong Women’s Health Summit. “They know. Just ask yourself.”
Voskuhl emphasizes using a simple benchmark for gauging memory lapses: compare the current mental state to where it was a decade ago. Reflecting on cognitive capabilities from ten years ago can help women identify if their memory changes relate to menopause or other factors.
There is a concept known as subjective cognitive decline, where individuals notice shifts in their cognitive abilities despite normal neurological test results. The CDC reports that about one in nine adults experience this, yet less than half discuss it with healthcare professionals.
Voskuhl suggests that standard tests often miss menopausal brain fog because they focus on objective measurements that may not capture subtle changes women notice in themselves. Comparing it to an NFL player feeling weaker despite testing strong, the subjective awareness of one’s cognitive baseline remains significant.
The Mayo Clinic explains that menopausal brain fog tends to be temporary with fluctuating symptoms such as misplacing items or slower processing speed without impacting overall reasoning or independence. Stress or poor sleep can worsen these symptoms.
In contrast, early dementia leads to persistent, progressive memory loss affecting basic tasks like managing finances or following known routes while driving. It’s crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation to exclude other issues if cognitive concerns persist. Brain MRIs and vascular screenings can help detect underlying problems like blood vessel disease or thyroid imbalances.
If women feel their concerns are overlooked, Voskuhl recommends seeking a new doctor willing to listen and address their issues.