Memory and Menopause

An article from Rebecca J. Hulem, RN, RNP, Certified Menopause Clinician…

MEMORY AND MENOPAUSE - OR WHERE DID I PUT THOSE KEYS?

"Happiness is good health and a bad memory"
Ingrid Bergman

Difficulty with word retrieval, misplacing car keys and sunglasses are common and considered normal changes for the majority of women as they transition through the perimenopause and menopause stage of life. But no matter how much you read or hear that this is normal, somewhere in the back of your mind you may wonder… is this beginning of Alzheimer's disease? The answer is usually no. Hormonal fluctuations and stress are the two biggest culprits responsible for the memory changes during menopause.

So how do you know if your forgetfulness is normal or the beginning of Alzheimer's disease? Here are five signs adapted from the Alzheimer's Association:

• It's normal to forget to serve the vegetable that you prepared for a meal. It's not normal to prepare a meal and forget to serve it.
• It's normal to forget why you walked into a room. It's not normal to get lost in your own house.
• It's normal to lose your keys. It's not normal to look for them in the aquarium.
• It's normal to have problems balancing your checkbook. It's not normal to forget altogether what to do with numbers.
• It's normal to forget to make a dental appointment. It's not normal to stop brushing your teeth.

Here are some helpful suggestions that you can use when you're having a "bad memory day":

• Choose one place in your purse or house where you always put your car keys and sunglasses.
• Keep an appointment book. Write down all appointments and times. Don't leave this to memory.
• Make a short list every day (notice I said "short") of the most important things that you have to do. Cross each item off the list as you do them. This will give you a greater feeling of being in control.
• Make time for some form of aerobic exercise (30 minutes) most days of the week. This will burn calories, increase circulation to the brain and give you an overall sense of well being.
• Eat small frequent meals (5 times per day) to include protein, carbohydrates and a little fat in each meal. This will help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce fatigue.

Menopause can challenge the function of our body, mind and spirit. This is why it is so important to feed your mind and body with healthy food and regular exercise. Feed your soul and spirit with laughter, good friends and activities that you love.

Rebecca J. Hulem has 28 years experience in the medical community and is the author of Feelin' Hot and contributing author to two additional books. To sign up for her free menopause newsletter or for further information, please refer to her website at http://themenopauseexpert.com.

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