June 02, 2011 12:00 AM
I was inspired to write this column by a recent patient who swore she was “losing her mind.” She attributed it to either the onset of menopause or the summer homecoming of her college freshman daughter.
Actually, I’ve heard many women claim that their concentration and memory is not the same as it used to be. These are common complaints of women in menopausal transition; changes during menopause can be frightening and may lead some women to think they have early symptoms of dementia. This, fortunately, is usually not the case.
When a woman becomes more forgetful, she may wonder if decreasing estrogen is to blame. there is, however, little evidence that lower estrogen levels affect the brain. These changes are usually due to normal aging or mood. They usually subside after menopause.
However, younger women who have had “surgical menopause” (having had both ovaries removed) may experience immediate and severe menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that this process can have a negative effect on memory. Mental skills like remembering words can be difficult immediately after surgical menopause.
Since the link between circulating hormone levels and cognitive impairment is weak, hormone therapy for cognitive symptoms or prevention of dementia is not recommended.
As we age, our mental abilities can slow. Also, stress at mid-life can affect sleep. Work demands, teenage children, the “empty nest” syndrome, aging parents, relationships, health concerns and financial woes take their toll.
Lack of sleep adversely influences the ability to concentrate and resultant fatigue during the day can cause you to be less alert and lead to problems at work and daily life.
The good news is that as you age, you have the ability to continue to gain knowledge, skills and expertise.
There are many ways to keep our minds strong. Physical and mental activity and a balanced social life all have positive effects on the mind. They may ward off the effects of aging and disease that can contribute to dementia.
Proper nutrition is also key. Foods that are healthy for your heart are usually also healthy for your brain.
Perhaps the best strategy for cognitive maintenance hews closely to common wisdom: Eat right, exercise (physically and mentally), minimize stress and strive for balance in your life.
- womenshealth.gov/aging/mental-health/aging-brain.cfm
- nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/memory/html.
- nia.nih.gov/healthinformation/publications/forgetfulness.htm
- menopause.com
Dr. Christian S. Pope specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. he has offices in New Bedford and Mattapoisett and practices at St. Luke’s Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. he can be reached at 508-999-6245.
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