Menopause Series Cognitive Decline & Alzheimer's Disease
Where did I put my…
Keys, phone, glasses, wallet and what did I just walk up the stairs for!!!
Brain Health, Menopause, and the Role of Acupuncture
Brain health is becoming increasingly important as we live longer lives. The good news is there are simple daily habits that can support how well your brain functions.
Daily Habits for Brain Health
To keep your mind sharp, aim to include these essentials every day:
Physical activity – walking, running, swimming, or any movement that gets your blood flowing.
Brain activities – puzzles, reading, learning something new.
Quality nutrition – choose foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein.
Restful sleep – your brain restores itself while you sleep.
Social interaction – staying connected with others keeps your neurons active.
Social connection is one of the most powerful protectors of brain health. Yet for many people, the COVID-19 lockdowns left a lasting mark. While restrictions eased, the disruption created habits of isolation, and for some, even fear of returning to normal social life. This means rebuilding confidence in socialising is just as important for your health as diet or exercise. Even small steps—such as meeting a friend for a walk—can begin to retrain the brain and restore that vital stimulation.
Menopause and Memory
Memory problems during menopause are surprisingly common. They can be caused by hormonal changes, fluctuating oestrogen, higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels, blood pressure changes, chronic disease, low energy, and poor sleep.
Here’s the reality:
Up to two-thirds of women report memory problems during the menopause transition.
The good news is these changes are usually temporary and don’t become chronic postmenopause.
Importantly, there’s no evidence these memory lapses are linked to dementia. (Wagner et al. 2020)
Can Acupuncture Help?
During these years, many women feel frustrated or even fearful. You might notice:
Low mood
Strain in relationships
Difficulty finding the right words
Constantly misplacing keys, phones, or wallets
Acupuncture can be a powerful support for brain health and overall wellbeing.
Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease
Looking beyond menopause, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most recognised conditions affecting the brain.
A meta-analysis by Huang et al. (2019) examined multiple studies and found that:
Acupuncture improved cognitive function (understanding and thinking).
Acupuncture alone was more effective than conventional medication for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
This was a rigorous, high-quality review of the evidence.
To be clear, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can only be made by a medically qualified doctor.
Why Acupuncture Matters for Brain Health
Research shows acupuncture supports many of the factors linked to cognitive decline—including stress, sleep, mood, circulation, and hormone balance. Together, these effects help protect and strengthen brain function as we age.
✅ Key takeaway: Memory lapses around menopause are common but temporary. Acupuncture offers safe, evidence-based support for brain health at every stage of life.