Protect Your Cognitive Health
- Lisa Burchartz
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Are you experiencing brain fog, memory lapses, or mood swings and wondering if it's menopause—or something more serious? You're not alone. In a recent illuminating podcast, neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., sheds empowering light on menopause as a neurological transition—not just a hormonal shift.
Dr. Mosconi reveals that common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, and cognitive changes originate in the brain, not the ovaries. She emphasizes that menopause can begin subtly in your 30s or 40s and last up to 14 years, significantly impacting brain health and cognitive function. Alarmingly, many physicians lack adequate training in menopause management, causing women's concerns to be frequently dismissed or misunderstood.
The good news? Women have the power to proactively protect their cognitive health.
Dr. Mosconi recommends seeking specialists certified by The Menopause Society and considering cognitive testing or Alzheimer's early-detection tests if concerned about memory lapses or brain fog.
She also highlights lifestyle strategies proven to support brain health during menopause:
Exercise: Cardio for cognitive clarity, strength training for mood stability and bone health, yoga or Pilates for stress reduction and improved sleep.
Nutrition: A plant-forward Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber to nourish your gut microbiome and regulate estrogen naturally.
Intermittent Fasting: A simple 12-hour fasting window overnight supports metabolic health.
Hydration & Caffeine: Adequate hydration is essential; moderate coffee consumption provides beneficial antioxidants but should be limited earlier in the day.
Dr. Mosconi also addresses the importance of informed medical care. She encourages women to actively seek clinicians certified by The Menopause Society and to discuss menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT) without fear—clarifying that past studies unfairly demonized HRT when administered correctly under professional supervision.
This enlightening conversation underscores the need for women to advocate confidently for their health at every life stage.
By understanding how menopause affects the brain and proactively adopting wellness practices, women can navigate this transition empowered rather than overwhelmed.