'Brain fog' and other menopause symptoms often confused with dementia

With almost 13 million women in the UK experiencing menopause or perimenopause and nearly 71,000 people living with young onset dementia, it can be difficult to differentiate whether symptoms like ‘brain fog’ are the result of hormonal changes or dementia.

With rising cases of young onset dementia, the charities Dementia UK and The Menopause Charity came together on World Menopause Day to launch guidance about the symptoms linked to menopause and/or dementia to try to improve the health outcomes of women.

Doctors 'not fully aware of the variety of menopause symptoms'

Women living with young onset dementia in Britain can struggle to discern whether their symptoms are being caused by menopause, resulting in Dementia UK publishing information about the symptoms of perimenopause/menopause, and how living with young onset dementia and perimenopause and/or menopause can impact someone's daily life. Dementia UK stated: ‘This resource will support women to understand their symptoms, be more aware of the available treatment options and how to access the best care to improve their overall health outcomes’.

The charity warns 'some healthcare professionals are not fully aware of the variety of menopause symptoms and might put changes down to the person’s dementia. Be patient but persistent – it may take several appointments to agree on a treatment plan.'

Figures released by Dementia UK reveal an estimated 70,800 people in the UK are living with young onset dementia, where symptoms begin before the age of 65. This is an increase of 69 per cent since 2014, when 42,000 people were estimated to have the condition.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when a woman will still have periods – although they may be different from usual – and many have physical and mental symptoms caused by their changing hormone levels. Menopause occurs when a woman has her last period. If you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months, you are post-menopausal.

Common perimenopause/menopause symptoms include:

• poor sleep

• fatigue

• mood changes, anxiety or stress

• ‘brain fog’ or poor concentration

• loss of interest in sex

• hot flushes and/or night sweats

• joint pains and/or muscle aches

• migraines and headaches

Is it perimenopause/ menopause or young onset dementia?

The psychological symptoms of perimenopause and menopause – such as negative thoughts, low mood and anxiety can have a big impact on someone’s life.

According to the charity, ‘it is also thought that a lack of oestrogen during and after perimenopause/menopause may increase the risk of developing dementia’.

Brain fog – caused by hormonal changes – is a very common symptom of menopause. Many women have difficulties with concentration and word-finding.

Dementia UK’s guidance states: ‘These should be investigated and ruled out or treated where appropriate. It is advisable to complete a symptom questionnaire and keep a record of periods over the course of a few months. If there are still concerns that the woman might have young onset dementia, the GP may refer her to a memory clinic for further assessment.

‘Because these issues may also occur in dementia, some women become concerned that they are showing signs of young onset dementia. This fear may be more pronounced if they have a family history of dementia.'

However the charity states that while people with young onset dementia do experience memory problems, this is not usually the first symptom. There are more likely to be changes in vision and spatial awareness, language problems and changes in behaviour.

‘Family members, friends and work colleagues may notice these changes first, often before the person themselves. It can be difficult to tell whether these symptoms are being caused by perimenopause/menopause, young onset dementia or both, so it is important to see a GP if you have any concerns.’

To understand more about young onset dementia and menopause, you can read the charities’ information leaflet by clicking here: www.dementiauk.org/dementia-and-menopause.