Could Menopause Be the Missing Link to Understanding Alzheimer’s Risk in Women? New Research Says Yes

Hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings may be more than just frustrating menopause symptoms—they could be early warning signs of future brain health risks. Emerging research now suggests a strong connection between menopause and Alzheimer’s disease, especially in women. With women twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s, scientists are exploring how dropping estrogen levels during menopause might weaken memory, cognitive function, and the brain’s ability to clear toxic proteins. Understanding perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause as a neurological transition—not just a reproductive one—could transform how we detect and treat dementia. As symptoms like sleep disruption, anxiety, and brain fog persist, they may offer valuable clues into long-term cognitive health. Recognizing menopause as more than a phase could be key to early Alzheimer’s prevention.