One of the first things we start to experience at the start of perimenopause is the total lack of memory! The inability to think straight and remember even the simplest of things. There are many who think they are going mad – that they have dementia amongst the brain fog.
What is brain fog?
This is how we describe the difficulties that we experience with memory recall, the time when you can’t remember someone’s name. Even the ability to complete a sentence, to leave one room and go to get something from somewhere else and when you get there – you can’t remember what you were looking for.
There is a phrase that Terry Wogan used “ Do I come here often” and I have to say I find myself feeling like this on many occasions.
Yes of cause you could consider the possibility of onset of dementia but it actually could be a decreased level of oestrogen which happens during menopause and affects the brains ability to function at its optimum level.
What is dementia?
Dementia is the umbrella term for many diseases that affect brain function, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Some of the shared symptoms between menopause and Alzheimer’s, such as reduced focus and memory lapses, can make it difficult to diagnose this age group of women.#
What is menopause?
Perimenopause, which can last months or sometimes years, usually affects women in their 40s & 50s, although it can also occur earlier or later. During this time, they gradually cease to have periods and become infertile. Menopause occurs when a woman has her final period and the average age for this is 51. There is a significant reduction in the body’s oestrogen level which can cause a wide range of symptoms including anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, difficulties with temperature regulation (hot flushes) and memory lapses.
Could it simply be something else?
The memory difficulties can occur, not only with dementia or hormonal changes in menopause, but also be due to depression, stress, vitamin or mineral deficiencies eg B12, fatigue or thyroid problems.
It can also come with simple tiredness – lack of sleep and general tiredness can affect our brain’s ability to function at its optimum level.
How do I explain away the symptoms – they are so alike?
Its quite natural that we become concerned when we first start to experience the “brain fog” as it can create so many problems – such as focusing at work, remembering names etc this can create more irritation and frustration.
The important thing to appreciate is that the menopausal symptoms will dissipate where the dementia symptoms will increase and be accompanied by other symptoms.
These will include changes in behaviour, vision, language difficulties and rather than just general “brain fog”. There may well be also difficulties in managing general day to day activities.
It is understandable that all of these can be frightening and difficult to contemplate but the best thing to do is to get medical advice and understand where you are hormonally. A GP consultation can often provide all the information you need before you go down the rabbit warren of the internet!!!
Some thoughts that may help:
Memory issues do also occur naturally as we get older!!! Our brains simply can’t retain everything.
Continue to do what you normally do – keep going and don’t stop – don’t change and it will ease and get better.
Write lists and set timers if you need to do anything
Take part in creative and logical activities
Get checked out by the GP
