Women's increased risk of Alzheimer's disease explained

I just listened to Dr. Lisa Mosconi on Dhru Purohit's podcast (Link here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mKrkTZpK6OE?si=9UteYcEQmYmIWQjz) and I highly recommend you tune in! If you don't have the time, here's what is important to know.

1. Menopause DOES affect your brain. As shown in the picture above, your brain has a 30% reduction in brain energy metabolism after menopause.

2. Funding for menopause research from the NIH (National Institute of Health) is 0.08% of the total budget for the last 15 years!

3. Lifestyle plays a CRUCIAL role. Dr. Mosconi goes into detail about how CONSISTENCY is the key to brain health, so your lifestyle matters throughout your entire life. There is no quick fix to brain health. Her number one recommendation is don't smoke! These neurotoxins build up over time, so even secondhand smoke can be damaging.

4. Increase the number of antioxidants you eat (fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds)

5. Exercise can reduce menopausal symptoms. Specifically, aerobic exercise is great for brain fog, strength training is beneficial for mood improvement, and flexibility exercises are key for stress reduction and sleep improvement.

6. Reduce your exposure to Xeno-estrogens (which are endocrine disruptors). These are toxins that mimic estrogen in our bodies and can be found in plastics, food additives, detergents, perfumes, etc.

7. Dr. Mosconi recommends no plastic in the kitchen, very few packaged food items, organic, fresh foods, natural fabrics (especially bedding), and lots of FIBER

Next is the role of pharmaceuticals, specifically hormone replacement therapy. TIMING is everything when it comes to this therapy. There is a window of opportunity when HRT is beneficial and that's within 10 years of menopause (defined as one year with no period). As shown in the diagram below, those on estrogen therapy saw a 32% reduction in Alzheimer's risk.

Dr. Mosconi also looked at our happiness during and after menopause. According to her research, we're much happier post-menopause and perimenopause is a rough stage of life for most. But it's something to look forward to as our brains change. She also noted that parts of our "reactive" brain turn down, so we're able to experience "emotional mastery" meaning we are less reactive to negative things and more reactive to positive things.

*Images are taken directly from the interview.

If you are interested in participating in her research study, you can find more information HERE. They are enrolling women and men of age 40-65 years, with a family history of Alzheimer's, and no cognitive impairment or dementia.