Maryon Stewart

Since my periods stopped I have become incredibly forgetful. I often walk into a room and forget why I went in there and I even forget the names of people I have known for years. My doctor said that I have to learn to live with this as its just part of the menopause. I'm losing confidence and it's making me nervous, so I wonder if there is anything I could do to help regain my memory? ~Margo

Maryon's Answer:

Most people experience a deterioration in their memory as they age and it seems to be made worse by the hormonal changes at the time of the menopause, as well as during pregnancy and after childbirth.

A sound memory is dependent on a healthy vascular system. When the circulation to the brain is impaired, people can experience symptoms of poor memory, lack of concentration, absentmindedness, confusion, lack of energy, tiredness, decreased physical performance, depressive mood, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus and headache.

The brain is dependent on glucose, essential fats, plus several B vitamins are essential for normal memory and mental performance. Vitamin E and other antioxidants may also be important in helping blood flow to the brain and the central nervous system. Ginkgo biloba, the herb that comes from the Maidenhair tree, has been through numerous clinical trials which demonstrate that it helps restore both long and short-term memory.

Further research, from Guys Hospital in London, confirms that eating soya isoflavones improves memory at the time of the menopause as the part of the brain involved with verbal memory are rich in oestrogen receptors. The oestrogen like effects of isoflavones have led to speculation that soya may also help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

A healthy diet, physical exercise, cessation of smoking and limiting alcohol consumption also helps to maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.