The Effect Of Menopause On Memory: It Can Cause Memory Loss

Memory loss is an unfortunate and well-documented consequence of the aging process, and it is estimated that around 75% of older adults report memory-related problems. In particular, women report increased memory related issues, such as forgetfulness, during the menopausal transition. Additionally, women are at an increased risk for dementia and memory impairment compared with men.

A clinical study was performed in the United States, where the aim was to investigate any variation in memory-related functioning in early midlife as a function of sex, reproductive status and sex steroid hormone levels. The study went on to demonstrate that middle-aged women outperformed their male counterparts in all memory-related measures, but their memory declined as they entered the post-menopausal state. The study also found that pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal women outperformed post-menopausal women in numerous key memory areas.

The clinical study

A cross-sectional study was performed where 212 women and men between the ages of 45 and 55 were chosen to take part in the clinical study. The memory-based tests that were performed on the test subjects included assessments on executive functioning, episodic memory, estimated verbal intelligence and semantic processing. Episodic verbal memory and associative memory were tested using a Selective Reminding Test (SRT) and a Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME).

Oestradiol and other sex hormone levels were also tested in the different reproductive stages of the female test subjects.

The findings and clinical significance of the study

This clinical study demonstrated two important findings: that middle-aged women outperformed their male counterparts across all the mentioned memory tests, and that women with higher oestradiol levels (pre- and peri-menopausal state) performed better in the numerous memory assessments when compared to those in the post-menopausal state.

Memory retrieval and initial learning, tested with the FNAME exam, were areas where the post-menopausal individuals were particularly vulnerable, whereas memory storage and consolidation were relatively well-preserved.

These findings highlighted the significance of the decrease in ovarian function and therefore oestradiol production in midlife and beyond and, thus, the role this situation plays in shaping memory function.

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It would then be suggested that physicians be aware that post-menopausal women do have a higher chance than men and pre-menopausal women to develop memory-related issues, such as dementia and memory impairment. Post-menopausal patients experiencing memory-related symptoms should then be referred to receive the correct management therapies such as hormonal replacement therapy, if it's not contraindicated, and allied health services from occupational therapists.

The family members of patients also need to be educated regarding memory-related impairments. This allows the patient's family members to familiarise themselves with memory impairment conditions and to prepare themselves regarding how to look after the needs of the patient.

Menopause In Women: Symptoms, Complications and Management 

Menopause is defined as having no menstruation occurring for 12 consecutive months after the last menstrual period. Menopause can occur from 40 years of age onward, and there have been cases where patients have gone into menopause in their late 30's, but the average age of occurrence is around 52 years of age worldwide.

Menopause is a physiological and biological process that occurs due to the ovaries not functioning anymore. Oestrogen levels decrease which means that the individual won't ovulate anymore and therefore can't become pregnant and won't menstruate either.

Menopause only means that one can't become pregnant anymore and that shouldn't interfere with ones ability to stay healthy and still be sexual. Even though this is the case, the menopausal state can cause some unwanted and undesired effects due to the decreased oestrogen levels in the body.

Symptoms of menopause

The following symptoms can occur around the time leading up to menopause, called the peri-menopausal stage:

• Hot flashes
• Slowed metabolism
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep disturbances
• Night sweats
• Mood changes, such as increased depression
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Loss of breast fullness
• Irregular periods, usually every 2-3 months. It's important to take note that one can still become pregnant during this time.

Complications and management of menopause

Osteoporosis

In the first few years after menopause, women lose bone density at a fast rate, thereby increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the condition where bone resorption occurs faster than bone production therefore causing bones to become brittle and weak, which can increase the chances of fractures of the hips, wrists or spinal vertebrae.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are available for patients who have a family history of osteoporosis and who are in the peri-menopausal phase. Patients who are diagnosed as osteoporotic will be prescribed medications such as the bisphosphonates that help to prevent the loss of bone mass.

Cardiovascular disease

When oestrogen levels decrease, then one's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases. It is therefore suggested that post-menopausal women eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and maintain a normal weight. Physicians will also discuss managing issues such as high cholesterol levels, diabetes and hypertension in patients already diagnosed with these chronic conditions.

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Urinary incontinence

The muscles and ligaments of the urethra and vagina lose elasticity in the post-menopausal state and this may cause the individual to experience frequent and strong urges to urinate. This can be followed by urge incontinence (involuntary loss of urine) or stress incontinence (loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting). This situation can also result in frequent urinary tract infections.

Urinary incontinence can be managed by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises. Using a topical vaginal oestrogen cream can also help relieve the symptoms of incontinence.

Sexual function

Decreased oestrogen levels can result in decreased moisture production and loss of elasticity of the vagina. These issues can result in slight bleeding and discomfort during sexual intercourse. An individual's libido can also be negatively affected due to decreased vaginal sensation.

Using a good quality water-based (not glycerin-based as this can cause irritation or burning) vaginal lubricant or moisturizer may help with menopause induced vaginal dryness. If a moisturizer or lubricant isn't having the desired affect, then one could benefit from the use of vaginal oestrogen treatments, which are available as a cream, ring or tablet.

Weight gain

During the menopausal transition, a woman's metabolism rate decreases and this can result in increased weight gain. Ways to manage this is by trying to restrict calorie intake and increasing physical activities.