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Menopause brings many changes: hot flashes, changes in libido, and, according to some women, difficulties with memory and concentration. A new study in the journal Menopause shows that the mental fog reported by many menopausal women is very real. Researchers gave a battery of cognitive tests to 75 menopausal women and asked them how menopause had affected their thinking. Nearly half of them reported “serious” forgetfulness in the study, and the women who described the most problems with concentration and memory also scored worse on the cognitive tests. The investigators hope the finding that mental effects are not just being imagined by menopausal women, as some physicians have believed, will spur research on treatments.
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Add CommentApparently, I'm among a fortunate few who have gone through menopause unscathed, except for insomnia. Never a hot flash, no dryness, loss of libido or memory, even at 60. (Can't remember names - but then, I never could!) I'm wondering whether or not diet and exercise are primary factors in determining a woman's experience? In these areas, I've observed significant differences between my habits and those of long-suffering friends. I'm convinced that our bodies become far more sensitive to the quantity and quality of "fuel" as we age (not a big deal - in my case, eating less in general, eliminating red meat, dairy, sugar and processed food while continuing to eat lots of organic vegetables, adding certain nuts, seeds and faithful fish oil), and that our bodies remain responsive to the demands of vigorous - but increasingly diverse - activities, balanced by prolonged stretching. If a by-product of feeling great in general happens to be sailing through menopause, so much the better!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisInteresting comments about your experiences with menopause. I have had serious memory issues, but am very active with learning new activities as well as lots of outdoor exercise. Looking at what you wrote, I'd wonder if I should keep my activities but make major changes to my diet. At 62, I finally seem to be able to sleep better after years of serious insomnia. You may have something with the quality of fuel idea.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI found this a curious matter because I never found menopause a problem, but rather liberating, though in working with hundreds of women over the years not a one of them ever mentioned memory loss during their nearly golden years.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThough stress causes memory loss and thyroid dysfunction as well and as both occur around that age I'd want to rule out both before I'd consider menopause as the cause for loss of memory.
Yet, as to what causes stress about that time, it's the recognition one isn't young anymore, what has been may not be the best, ie: high divorce rates and it's clear there's only so much time left to hit the pinnacle of success and perhaps work more diligently on a project sitting on the back burner.
Though most have teenagers in the home and that too adds another level and type of stress.
I would agree that most women find menopause a liberating experience when they emerge from the transition. Further, it seems to me that women even find increased mental clarity - with a perspective, purpose, wisdom, no-more-nonsense boldness, the discovery of a personal Voice (especially after so much nurturing of others) that I've often found striking.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYes, sustained stress takes a terrible toll (and is responsible for my own insomnia, which definitely leads to fuzzy thinking)!
Glad you mentioned "outdoor exercise," an infinitely richer experience on every possible physical/sensory level, and therefore more stimulating to the brain! Best wishes with important dietary changes - and hopefully, increased access to memory!
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