Menopause
Memory Loss and Lack of Concentration
No matter what your age, you probably have experienced
memory loss or a lack of concentration at one time
or another. Sometimes caused by fatigue, stress, or
even medication, the occasional episode of memory
loss and lack of concentration is perfectly normal.
As women age, however, they may become concerned when
they feel forgetful, confused, and unable to focus
their attention. One reason for women’s concern
is the link between menopause, memory loss, lack of
concentration, and attention difficulties (similar
to ADD).
Menopause
memory loss and lack of concentration can cause a
big disturbance in a woman’s life, especially
when these common menopause symptoms become worse
over time. There are several reasons why menopause
may cause memory loss and ADD-like attention problems,
such as:
-
Depression or anxiety
-
Difficulty sleeping
-
Normal aging of the brain
-
Overwork
-
Normal stressors for your age group like caring
for adolescents, caring for elderly parents, and
maintaining a high-level job
If
you believe that menopause is causing you to suffer
from memory loss or ADD attention problems, first
it’s important to rule out a more serious condition
like Alzheimer’s disease or stroke. Once you
have ruled these out, then it’s time to address
the menopause memory loss and lack of concentration,
beginning with lifestyle changes and natural remedies.
The
smartest route for treating menopause memory loss
and attention difficulties (ADD) is by starting with
mild, natural, safe treatments and seeing how well
they work before progressing to other treatments.
Natural, safe ways to treat menopause memory loss
and lack of concentration include:
-
Getting more sleep
-
Getting regular moderate-intensity exercise
-
Exercising the brain with puzzles, reading, and
other cognitive activities
-
Eating a diet high in antioxidants (dark, leafy
vegetables and colorful fruits)
-
Eating a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids
Menopause
memory loss and lack of concentration may be linked
to hormonal imbalances. During menopause, estrogen
levels decrease. Lower estrogen levels have been shown
to affect several brain functions such as problem
solving, learning, and memory, similar to the brain
functions that are affected by ADD. Scientists believe
lower estrogen levels may be one reason why menopause
brings on symptoms of memory loss, lack of concentration,
and attention difficulties.
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