Women! Take Control of Your Brain Health

It’s a fact that women tend to live longer than men. However, did you know that women are more likely to develop dementia and other cognitive disorders than men?

This is down to several factors, including hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and differences in brain structure and function.

Dementia: A normal part of ageing?

Dementia is an umbrella term for deterioration in memory, thinking, and ability to perform everyday tasks, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most common forms.

Dementia cases are on the rise and contrary to what many people believe, it isn’t a normal part of ageing.

Doctors believe that many cases could be delayed or prevented if we take control of our brain health. As well as exercising regularly, eating well and making healthier life choices, educating yourself on the signs of cognitive decline, and speaking to a specialist early, may all make a difference.

Take control of your brain health

Doctors from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Women’s Brain Health Program are urging women to take control of their brain health. The potential signs of dementia are often ignored or confused with signs of perimenopause and menopause, and as a result, go untreated.

Many women experience ‘brain fog’ in their 40s and 50s – a term used to describe a number of symptoms related to cognitive function, such as forgetfulness, mental cloudiness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling mentally slower than usual.

These changes in cognitive function are often brushed off, but they are very real and are down to hormonal fluctuations. Hormones such as estrogen, which supports key neurotransmitters and brain connectivity, fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, which can bring cognitive symptoms as they play an important role in brain function especially in areas responsible for memory and focus.

While brain fog linked to menopause is usually temporary, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about it so they can help you to manage the symptoms and rule out other cognitive disorders.

Dementia

Dementia is caused by damage to the brain cells and is a progressive disease that gets worse over time. It refers to a number of cognitive changes such as memory loss, reduced ability to perform everyday tasks, and problems with communication.

Women are at a much greater risk of dementia than men, so seeing a neurologist who specializes in women’s brain health is crucial. They will perform a number of assessments and examinations which consider hormonal, genetic and biological factors that are unique to women.

Who should consider a cognitive evaluation?

Doctors from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Women’s Brain Health Program recommend that the following consider an evaluation:

• Women aged 40 to 65
• Women experiencing brain fog, memory decline, or sleep/mood changes
• Women in perimenopause, menopause, or early/surgical menopause
• Those with a family history of Alzheimer’s or chronic health conditions that increase risk.

Women, don’t neglect your brain health

Changes in your cognitive health shouldn’t be ignored – it’s your brain talking and you need to listen.

Women’s brains respond differently to ageing and disease, so an approach tailored to women’s brain health is essential. If you are over 40 and notice any cognitive changes, take control and talk to a specialist today.