Michelle Swer, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology, added that brain fog should not be cause for “alarm”.
She said: “Memory and concentration challenges, often referred to as ‘brain fog’ (e.g., struggling with finding the right word, misplacing something or finding it more difficult to concentrate at work), are recognised symptoms as women enter the perimenopause and menopause.
“This is part of the ageing process and should not alarm women that they are signs of dementia.”
However, she said: “The more worrying signs of dementia are memory loss affecting daily activities, inability to remember time or place, leaving something and finding it in unusual places, difficulty remembering words in speaking or writing, changes in mood leading to distress when out in unfamiliar circumstances and gradual withdrawal from social activities.
“These issues can sometimes prompt concerns among women who may worry that they are exhibiting early signs of dementia, a condition characterised by memory loss, confusion, and difficulties in speech and comprehension.”
She added: “Memory loss experienced during menopause frequently accompanies a constellation of other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, urinary issues, vaginal dryness, general discomfort, headaches, fatigue, and alterations in menstrual cycles.”