Menopause Symptoms That Can Resemble Dementia — And How to Respond With Confidence

Many women entering perimenopause or menopause notice cognitive changes that can feel unsettling. Memory lapses, difficulty finding words, trouble concentrating and the all‑too‑familiar “brain fog” often appear at a time when personal and professional responsibilities are at their peak. Understandably, these symptoms can create anxiety — especially because some of them overlap with early features of dementia.

Recent large‑scale research from the University of Cambridge has added important insight to this conversation. The study, which included almost 125,000 women, found that menopause is associated with measurable changes in the brain, including reductions in grey matter volume in areas commonly affected in Alzheimer’s disease. These changes were seen regardless of whether women used HRT. Researchers also noted higher reports of low mood, anxiety, insomnia and fatigue among women after menopause.

While these findings highlight the real cognitive impact menopause can have, experts stress that the results do not prove that menopause causes dementia. Instead, they underscore why so many women feel mentally overwhelmed during this stage of life. Senior clinicians involved in the research emphasise that these brain changes may contribute to women’s increased lifetime risk of dementia, but they do not represent a diagnosis. And importantly, menopause‑related cognitive symptoms are often temporary and treatable.

Why Menopause Can Mimic Dementia

Symptoms that often overlap include:

• Memory problems — misplacing items, forgetting appointments or losing track of conversations.
• Word‑finding difficulty — struggling to recall familiar names or common terms.
• Concentration issues — difficulty staying focused or processing information.
• Emotional changes — irritability, anxiety, frustration or low mood.

Healthcare professionals explain that these symptoms stem from hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruption, mood changes and increased mental load — not from early dementia in most cases. When hormone levels stabilise or appropriate treatment is introduced, many women experience significant improvement.

How Menopause‑Related Cognitive Symptoms Differ from Dementia

While some early dementia symptoms look similar, there are key differences:

• Progression: Dementia symptoms worsen noticeably over time; menopause‑related brain fog is typically stable or improves with treatment.
• Functioning: Dementia may eventually affect daily tasks such as managing finances, planning, navigating rooms, or maintaining conversations.
• Age pattern: Early‑onset dementia (under 65) often affects vision, spatial awareness and behaviour first — not memory.

For many women, simply understanding these distinctions offers reassurance.

What To Do If You’re Experiencing Brain Fog or Memory Issues

1. Seek reliable information.

Trusted sources such as the NHS, the British Menopause Society and reputable menopause platforms offer helpful guidance.

2. Speak to a healthcare professional.

A GP or menopause specialist can help determine whether symptoms are hormone‑related. A trial of HRT or other treatment options may be discussed depending on symptoms and medical history. Many women experience meaningful improvement in cognitive clarity with the right support.

3. Consider a combined approach.

Managing menopause often requires more than one solution. Hormone therapy, psychological support, antidepressants or talking therapies such as CBT may all play a role in addressing sleep problems, hot flushes, anxiety and cognitive symptoms.

4. Prioritise lifestyle factors.

Experts agree that everyday habits can significantly influence cognitive well‑being:

• Regular exercise (including simple daily walking)
• A healthy, balanced diet
• 7–8 hours of sleep
• Reduced alcohol consumption
• Stopping smoking
• Maintaining strong social connections
• Keeping your mind engaged through learning and creative activities

Even small, sustainable changes can improve mood, clarity and resilience.

Supporting Women in the Workplace

Many women report that menopause symptoms are most challenging during the working day. Increased awareness, open discussion and supportive workplace policies can make a significant difference. Feeling able to say “I’m not thinking clearly today — I didn’t sleep well last night” without stigma can help create healthier, safer, more compassionate work environments.

At Kays Medical, we recognise the importance of supporting colleagues through every stage of life. Whether through occupational health services, wellbeing resources or tailored training, we are committed to helping employers understand menopause and ensuring every employee feels valued and supported.

Final Thoughts

Menopause‑related brain fog can be distressing, but it is also common, understandable and treatable. With growing research, improved awareness and better access to professional guidance, women can approach this stage of life with clarity, confidence and the support they deserve.

If your organisation would like guidance on menopause support, training or occupational health services, the Kays Medical team is here to help.