Many older adults worry when they lose their train of thought, forget familiar words, or walk into a room without remembering why. Such concerns can arise over fears of early Alzheimer’s or dementia. Yet, medical experts emphasize that these brain lapses can often be linked to hormonal changes later in life. Women experiencing estrogen loss during perimenopause and menopause are notably affected.
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a UCLA neurology professor and co-founder of Cleopatra RX, advises women to evaluate their current cognitive function against their past abilities. “They should listen to themselves,” she stated at the Livelong Women’s Health Summit in New York City. Memory lapses in midlife often stem from estrogen loss during perimenopause and menopause, not early-onset dementia.
The 10-Year Evaluation
To help women determine if hormonal changes contribute to their memory lapses, Voskuhl suggests a simple comparison: assess how the current mental state stacks up to a decade ago. “Are you worse than you were 10 years ago?” she asks, referring to the Voskuhl Brain Fog Menopause Assessment used at UCLA’s Comprehensive Menopausal Program. This comparison provides a baseline for tracking symptoms over time.
CDC data reveals that about one in nine adults report subjective cognitive decline, but less than half discuss these concerns with a healthcare professional. Standard memory tests don’t always detect subtle shifts, known as subjective cognitive decline, when patients notice changes without detectable results in tests.
The NFL Comparison
Voskuhl compares missed early menopausal brain fog signs to an athlete’s performance. “If an NFL player says they’re weaker than they used to be, a neurological test might still say they’re strong,” Voskuhl explains. The player’s self-awareness highlights changes standard tests can miss. Similarly, women should trust their observations of cognitive changes from their baseline.
Differences between hormonal brain fog and neurodegenerative disease depend on how daily functions are impacted. Menopausal brain fog involves temporary lapses like misplacing items or slower processing speed, but reasoning skills and independence remain unaffected. These symptoms can fluctuate and worsen with stress or lack of sleep.
Seeking Medical Evaluation
In contrast, early dementia leads to persistent memory loss interfering with basic tasks like managing finances or following driving routes. Experts advise a complete medical evaluation to rule out other issues, such as blood vessel disease or thyroid imbalances. Dr. Voskuhl underscores seeking another doctor if concerns are not acknowledged.
Women experiencing memory issues should pursue comprehensive medical evaluations. Khloe Quill, a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital, covers health and other lifestyle topics.