Memory Lapses FAQ

Because disturbing memory lapses can have a very negative (and often unwarranted) effect on a woman´s mind, many women have questions concerning this normal, treatable menopausal symptom. Below are frequently asked questions and their answers to clear up confusion about disturbing memory lapses during menopause.

Memory Lapses	Q: What are disturbing memory lapses? A: Disturbing memory lapses occur when a person is unable to recall information at will or suffers from "brain freeze." Disturbing memory lapses, as related to menopause, affect only the short-term memory and recent memory, which are responsible for holding information in the mind for brief periods of time until it´s no longer needed, generally not longer than a day. Forgetting where a woman left her car keys or missing an important appointment are prime examples of disturbing memory lapses. Read on to find out what causes disturbing memory lapses during menopause. Q: What causes disturbing memory lapses? A: Disturbing memory lapses have a two-fold cause: hormonal imbalance and other symptoms of menopause that fatigue or distract a woman´s mind.
Memory Lapses Overview About Memory Lapses Definition Types and functions Memory lapses and menopause Symptoms Causes of Memory Lapses Hormonal Risk Factors Other causes When to see a doctor Treatments for Memory Lapses Memory Lapses FAQ

Hormonal imbalance: As a woman´s estrogen levels wane during menopause, she will likely experience many physical and mental symptoms. Disturbing memory lapses are tied closely to this decreasing supply of estrogen because estrogen is a key component in brain functions such as memory. Estrogen activates part of the brain responsible for memory called the hippocampus, which then increases levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which helps facilitate memory retention. Estrogen also smooths, relaxes, and opens up blood vessels to allow more blood flow to the brain, which increases the brain´s functioning and helps with memory.

Other menopausal symptoms: Women going through menopause are often under a great deal of physical, emotional and mental stress from the many symptoms that menopause can bring. Any menopausal symptom that fatigues the mind or causes a woman to be mentally distracted can cause disturbing memory lapses. Each of the other symptoms, though, are caused predominantly by hormonal imbalance. Below are some of the symptoms that can lead to disturbing memory lapses: • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Depression • Anxiety • Stress • Sleep disorders • Mood swings

A: Yes. Any activity that decreases the brain´s functioning can exacerbate disturbing memory lapses. Below are some of those factors:

• Excessive amounts of alcohol
• Some medications, such as sleeping pills or opiates
• Tobacco
• Vitamin deficiencies
• A diet lacking in proper nutrients and high in caffeine and sugar
• Lack of sleep

A: Many menopausal women who experience disturbing memory lapses have this fear: that they are losing their minds or on the cusp of severe mental illness. They should not worry so much. Disturbing memory lapses is a typical symptom of menopause that afflicts many women in their 40s and 50s. Oftentimes, when a woman passes through menopause and her body and mind are returned to equilibrium, her disturbing memory lapses whither. However, in some cases, disturbing memory lapses can be signs of mental illness. Below are some of the mental illnesses associated with severe memory lapses:

• Alzheimer´s disease.
• Infections of the brain such as encephalitis or meningitis.
• Head trauma.
• Stroke.
• Multi-infarct dementia.
• Cancer.
• Attention Deficit Disorder

Continue reading to find out when to see a doctor for disturbing memory lapses.

A: Because disturbing memory lapses can cause some women to fear the worst, seeing a doctor about them can be a good idea to bring peace of mind. If a woman´s disturbing memory lapses are disrupting her daily life, she should probably consult a doctor. If she begins forgetting old memories or can´t remember how to do routine activities she´s done for a long time, she should see a doctor. Otherwise, she can consider her disturbing memory lapses mere annoyances that will likely melt away as her body´s chemistry again finds its balance following menopause.

A: Some easy lifestyle tips can help to improve memory. A healthful diet rich in brain-friendly nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 (such as fish) can help, and cutting back on caffeine and sugars, which can cloud thinking, will also go along way to boost memory. Stress-relieving techniques like meditation or yoga will also help, and mnemonic devices or other memory tricks can also help information stick in the mind.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.