A leading menopause expert is urging more people to be aware of an often often overlooked symptom.
Consultant Asha Kasliwal of Manchester University's NHS Foundation Trust suggests that most women are aware of the common signs such as irregular periods, hot flushes, difficulty sleeping and mood swings.
However, the expert, who has her own self-referral menopause clinic, wants more attention to be given to the symptom of "brain fog". This sign can make it difficult for sufferers to simply chat with friends and family and can even make recognising people more difficult.
The doctor explained that patients have attended her clinic terrified that the symptom may be early onset dementia. However, Dr Kasliwal says that the symptom is temporary in most cases, reports Manchester Evening News.
Brain fog is more common in women going through the perimenopausal period - the transitional time around menopause - due to fluctuating hormones at this time.
Most women will be affected between the ages of 45 and 55. However, perimenopause of menopause can occur earlier and last later.
Speaking to the MEN, Dr Kasliwal said: "It's quite common and becoming more common as people recognise what brain fog is. In the past people didn't know that it could be part of the menopause.
"The kind of things patients tell you is that they have difficulty remembering words or numbers, that they are missing appointments, and they are forgetting events like birthdays.
"Women are quite used to multitasking and they find they are not able to multitask anymore or find it difficult to switch between different tasks. They have trouble focusing or concentrating on what’s happening. Simple things like not being able to find your car key."
Brain fog treatment is not often simply, warns Dr Kasliwa. Symptoms such as flushes and irregular periods can often be managed with the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but that is not always possible for brain fog.
The doctor also explains that women should be cautious about using testosterone to treat brain fog, with the hormone limited to those whose HRT dose has already been optimised, she suggests.
"One of the most important things to understand is that HRT is not the magic wand to treat brain fog," she says. "It can help to an extent because it helps improve other symptoms. We know if people can sleep well and are less stressed then they feel better so it can help indirectly.
"What is really important is having a healthy brain, so your physical health is vital. Having a Mediterranean diet is ideal and you need to try and include lots of oily fish, a lot of fresh fruit and veg and try to reduce your sugar intake.
"We know that people who sleep and manage to get a deep sleep have less of an issue with brain fog. This is where HRT might be helpful, not directly with brain fog itself, but if it helps you sleep better.
"Social engagement is really good and can boost your brain health. Managing stress levels is good for starters and anything which helps to reduce stress for you, is good. Coping mechanisms like writing lists and time management, might make you feel better.
"You also need to build in time to relax, where you could try yoga or meditation. Use technology where you can for tasks like note taking, or simple reminders on your phone, if you’re becoming a bit forgetful.
Dr Kasliwal says it's also important for women to be aware that the symptoms of brain fog are not necessarily leading to dementia - which some people are fearful of.
"Just being open is really important because it will increase awareness in the workplace, at home, and among your friends. It gives other people permission to discuss it as well," she said.
"I'd advising looking at reputable websites as well because information is powerful. Websites such as Women's Health Concern and Menopause Matters are really helpful."
More research is required when it comes to perimenopause/menopause and brain fog. However, Dr Kasliwal is keen to reassure women experiencing brain fog that the symptom is unlikely to be long-term.
Whilst more research needs to be done around brain fog, Dr Kasliwal wants to reassure women experiencing brain fog that is is unlikely to be long-term.
"Some women are worried that they’re going to suffer with brain fog long term, or that it might lead to them suffering dementia, or another brain illness. But there’s no evidence of that at all."
For more information about menopause visit: www.nhs.uk, themenopausecharity.org, thebms.org.uk and menopausematters.co.uk.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
