Menopause and the brain

The subject of menopause, its symptoms and treatments has become a more prevalent topic in recent years. In this NCSEM online lecture series we myth bust and outline what the evidence says around aspects of menopause.

The second talk in the series was delivered by Professor Eef Hogervorst, Professor of Psychology at Loughborough University, in June 2022. The talk discussed menopause and its impact on the brain.

In this talk Professor Hogervorst covered what we know about the brain and menopause. Should we take hormones for the complaints of brain fog, problems with memory and concentration, the mood swings and irritability and loss of libido? Can hormones protect against dementia?  If that is so when should we take these and for how long?

This talk also reviewed which lifestyle changes can help with menopausal complaints, in particular hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain and mood. It focused on exercise, nutrition, supplements and other behaviours that can affect these common issues.

An outline of our thoughts was recently published in the Conversation – see article.

	Eef’s research interests are in early dementia screening and treatment. She has conducted research in early diagnoses and modifiable risk and protective factors (e.g., hormones, exercise, and nutrition) for dementia and age-related cognitive decline; development and validation of cognitive tests and computerized diagnostic systems.

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Other events in this series

• Wednesday 8th June 12:30pm – Menopause and your heart
• Wednesday 22nd June 12:30pm – A lifecourse approach to menopause