As I moved from my 40s into my 50s, I noticed my memory starting to fail me. I attributed this to a stressful time in my life, as well as entering perimenopause. Stress is known to affect cognitive function and leading a business through Covid, a sale process and a major restructure created extraordinary pressures that impaired my memory - especially my working memory.
On top of that, menopause saw me chasing words and names, while misplacing keys and phones is common. Memory in midlife I'm not alone, though. As we reach midlife, our brain undergoes structural and chemical changes that can cause memory deterioration.
These changes include reduced blood flow to the brain and volume reduction of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are essential to support memory function. There can also be a decline in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, which play an important role in memory and attention. MORE FROM ANNA: I couldn't walk for 5 years — here's how it taught me to love my body Other factors which may impact cognitive function include hormonal changes, such as reduced oestrogen levels in menopausal women, chronic stress, sleep disturbances, lack of physical exercise and chronic medical conditions.
I find that good quality sleep, meditation and exercise all help improve my working memory and ability to recall information, as well as neurocosmetics. READ: I spent an hour with a sleep expert - here’s what I learned Neurocosmetics in menopause Neurocosm.
