Research indicates that cognitive impairment is a common complaint during the menopausal transition, with multiple studies linking menopausal symptoms to later-life cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia (Greendale et al., 2010; Hogervorst, 2022; Ismail et al., 2025).
Key findings from recent research include:
- Prevalence and nature of cognitive complaints: Subjective cognitive decline affects between 44% and 62% of women undergoing menopause, mainly involving memory problems and executive function deficits during perimenopause compared to pre- and postmenopausal stages (Maki & Weber, 2018; Epperson et al., 2013; Dumas et al., 2010).
- Menopausal symptom burden and cognition: The greater the number of menopausal symptoms a woman experiences, the higher the likelihood of poorer cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in mid-to-late life, suggesting these symptoms may predict vulnerability to dementia (Ismail et al., 2025; Corbett et al., 2025; Zahinoor et al., 2025).
- Earlier menopause and brain structure: Earlier onset of menopause associates with reduced cognitive performance and lower grey matter volume in the brain later in life. Grey matter reduction may partly explain cognitive decline in women with earlier menopause (Guo et al., 2025; Edwards, 2018).
- Cognitive domains affected: Cognitive changes occur rapidly during perimenopause, with deficits observed in language, visuospatial ability, attention, memory, processing speed, and psychomotor speed (Meyer et al., 2003; Greendale et al., 2009; Fuh et al., 2006; Hogervorst, 2022; Kilpi et al., 2020).
- Potential role of hormone therapy: While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might help mitigate some menopausal behavioral symptoms, its effects on cognitive function remain unclear and require further study. Some analyses suggest time-dependent and formulation-dependent effects of MHT on cognition, with benefits limited to specific situations and risks associated with other regimens (Hogervorst, 2022; Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2024).
In summary, menopause—and particularly the burden of menopausal symptoms and earlier menopause onset—is increasingly recognized as a critical period influencing cognitive aging and dementia risk in women. Ongoing research emphasizes the need to understand mechanisms and test interventions to mitigate these risks (Corbett et al., 2025; Ismail et al., 2025).
References
Andy, C. (2024). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of menopause hormone therapy on cognition, Frontiers in Endocrinology 15, 1350318.
Corbett, A., et al. (2025). More menopausal symptoms linked to poorer brain function in later life. University of Exeter News.
Edwards, H. (2018). The many menopauses: searching the cognitive research literature for menopause subtypes. Maturitas, 120, 12-18.
Epperson, C. N., et al. (2013). Cognitive function across the menopausal transition in healthy women: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Menopause, 20(5), 514–520.
Fuh, J. L., Wang, S. J., Lee, S. J., Lu, S. R., & Juang, K. D. (2006). A longitudinal study of cognition change during early menopausal transition in a rural community. Maturitas, 53(2), 181–188.
Greendale, G. A., et al. (2010). Menopause-associated symptoms and cognitive performance: Results from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. American Journal of Epidemiology, 171(11), 1214–1224.
Guo, M., et al. (2025). Age at menopause and cognitive function and decline among middle-aged and older women in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 2011-2018. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 21(2)14580.
Hogervorst, E. (2022). Cognition and mental health in menopause: A review. Maturitas, 154, 49–59.
Ismail, Z., et al. (2025). Menopausal symptom burden as a predictor of mid- to late-life cognitive and behavioral vulnerability: Findings from the CAN-PROTECT cohort. PLOS ONE, 20(3): e0301165.
Kilpi, F., et al. (2020). Age at menopause and cognitive function in a population-based sample of older women: Findings from the UK Biobank. Neurology, 95(17), e2465-e2473.
Maki, P. M., & Weber, M. T. (2018). Cognition and the menopause transition. Menopause, 25(9), 1024–1036.
Meyer, P. M., et al. (2003). Cognitive functioning and menopause: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Menopause, 10(5), 408–414.
Zahinoor, I., et al. (2025). Menopausal symptom burden as a predictor of cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric vulnerability: CAN-PROTECT cohort study. PLOS ONE.
As a PhD Researcher in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, I specialise in the complex interplay between mental health and cognitive function. My practice is built on a robust academic foundation in psychology and neuroscience, complemented by counselling and psychotherapy qualifications (CPCAB, accredited by the NCPS).
My research focuses on developing innovative, gamified, and personalised working memory training, leveraging advanced computational methods, machine learning, and psychological assessment. This work directly informs my integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy and neurocognitive rehabilitation. I help clients understand that conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma can impact cognitive ability, while cognitive impairments often contribute to emotional distress. By addressing these elements together, we work to improve overall quality of life.
I am committed to making evidence-based strategies accessible for individuals facing cognitive challenges—from neurodevelopmental conditions to brain injuries and aging. Through my blog, I share insights from my work to connect cutting-edge research with real-world impact.
Accreditation & Memberships:
I am accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and hold memberships with the British Neuroscience Association (BNA), the Experimental Psychology Society (EPS), the British Association for Cognitive Neuroscience (BACN), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). I am also a member of the Expert Witness Institute (EWI), developing a specialised pathway in providing psychological evidence for legal proceedings.
By continually expanding my knowledge across these disciplines, I ensure my practice and research remain accurate, ethical, and relevant, and I am dedicated to translating scientific progress into practical benefits for the communities I serve.
Dorota Styk