A recent UK study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that menopause is associated with brain changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers suggest that gray matter loss in regions linked to memory and emotion may help explain why women face a higher risk of dementia than men.
Professor Barbara Sahakian of the University of Cambridge, the study’s senior author, said: "Menopause could make these women vulnerable further down the line. While not the whole story, it may help explain why we see almost twice as many cases of dementia in women than in men."
These findings are based on nearly 125,000 women, including about 11,000 who underwent MRI brain scans.
Menopause marks the end of women's reproductive years. It's a natural process that involves hormonal and physiological changes. However, everyone experiences it differently. For many, this can be a challenging time, especially if hormonal changes lead to those infamous hot flashes. Others experience it as a time of liberation, as they no longer need to think about their periods and birth control. But no matter how one experiences menopause, knowing what to expect can make the transition easier.
Click on for essential menopause facts that will help you understand the process better.