Cognition and Menopause - Presentation

‘Menopause transition’, the time between menstrual changes and a year after the final menstrual period, is known to present multiple challenges. Around 60% of women struggle with ‘brain-fog’ a term describing cognitive changes most commonly including memory problems. For some, this can continue for many years, be strongly related to physical and psychological symptoms (including anxiety and depression) and cause significant distress. With evidence that as many as one in ten women leave the workplace during this time, there are strong anecdotal links between cognitive challenges and ability to work.

This talk will present the research evidence for cognitive changes in menopause, discuss how this differs to dementia and consider emerging ideas of its clinical management.

This presentation will be delivered by Aimee Spector, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Ageing at University College London (UCL). Professor Spector directs the UCL ‘Menopause Mind Lab’, a research group focused on the impact of menopause transition on cognition and mental health; see www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/menopause-mind-lab