Changes in the brain during menopause are in many ways similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease. That is why women in general are more likely to develop dementia than men.
These are the conclusions reached by scientists at the University of Cambridge. The study is published in the journal Psychological Medicine. It notes that the use of hormonal replacement therapy does not prevent the loss of gray matter, and changes occur precisely in those areas of the brain that are usually affected in Alzheimer’s disease:
- hippocampus – responsible for learning and memory;
- entorhinal cortex – formation of memories and spatial navigation;
- anterior cingulate cortex – concentration and regulation of emotions.
👩”A woman really has a hormone-dependent system. During menopause, progesterone deficiency is the first to be felt, and this directly affects cognitive functions,” confirms Tatyana Shevchenko, a gynecologist with 32 years of experience in a paid polyclinic at the National Hospital.
“If these changes are not corrected in time, disorders in the body can be akin to a microinsult. To minimize this process, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, undergo regular preventive examinations, monitor weight and be sure to treat concomitant diseases,” the doctor notes.
According to the specialist, we live in the period of the so-called “chemical castration”: we eat incorrectly, inhale polluted air, and use aggressive household chemicals every day.
“This cannot be completely avoided, but harm can be minimised. I recommend switching to a Mediterranean diet, monitoring the intake of trace elements, proteins and vitamins, adding exercise, giving up smoking and alcohol. Yes, it takes effort. But health just doesn’t come,” Tatyana Shevchenko emphasizes.
The doctor also notes an important trend:
“In recent years, it is menopausal women who are increasingly seeking help. This suggests that the stigma of the gynecologist is going away. Women understand: this doctor is needed not only for pregnancy and childbirth, but also to maintain health in adulthood.”
Over the years, a full life does not end – it continues if you treat yourself consciously.
