As I moved from my 40s into my 50s, I noticed my memory starting to fail me. I attributed this to a stressful time in my life, as well as entering perimenopause.
Stress is known to affect cognitive function and leading a business through Covid, a sale process and a major restructure created extraordinary pressures that impaired my memory - especially my working memory.
On top of that, menopause saw me chasing words and names, while misplacing keys and phones is common.
Memory in midlife
I'm not alone, though. As we reach midlife, our brain undergoes structural and chemical changes that can cause memory deterioration.
These changes include reduced blood flow to the brain and volume reduction of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are essential to support memory function.
There can also be a decline in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, which play an important role in memory and attention.
MORE FROM ANNA: I couldn't walk for 5 years — here's how it taught me to love my body
Other factors which may impact cognitive function include hormonal changes, such as reduced oestrogen levels in menopausal women, chronic stress, sleep disturbances, lack of physical exercise and chronic medical conditions.
I find that good quality sleep, meditation and exercise all help improve my working memory and ability to recall information, as well as neurocosmetics.
READ: I spent an hour with a sleep expert - here’s what I learned
Neurocosmetics in menopause
Neurocosmetics are a new category of skincare and beauty that use insights from brain science to enhance skin health.
These helpful products are designed to interact with the nervous system, particularly the nerves in the skin and underlying tissues, which send and receive signals from the brain, highlighting the skin-brain-mind connection.
© GettyThey not only improve skin appearance but also target the skin’s neural pathways and the skin-brain-mind connection.
With this in mind, skin conditions exacerbated by stress, such as acne and eczema, can be improved by neurocosmetics.
So where do neurocosmetics come into play with menopause and memory?
READ: Perimenopause made me hate autumn
Neurocosmetic products have been shown to promote alertness, improve sleep quality, and potentially enhance memory through stimulation of the olfactory bulb – all issues people in menopause will be familiar with. They also contribute to feelings of relaxation and wellbeing, thereby improving mood.
Neurocosmetics and midlife memory
This Works' In the Zone range, comprising shower gel and body lotions, was put to the test to see if it could improve memory, with the pilot study showing that the scent, which smells of eucalyptus and petitgrain, activated several areas of the brain essential for working memory functions.
These included the brain stem (linked to attention and alertness), the orbitofrontal cortex and the prefrontal cortex (areas heavily involved in cognitive control and decision-making), as well as the anterior cingulate cortex.
These brain areas are essential for working memory functions, allowing people testing to retain and utilise information while performing tasks.
If you're struggling with brain fog and memory issues in menopause, neurocosmetics could be the answer to help regain your memory.
Love midlife? Join Second Act today!
HELLO! originally launched its Second Act hub to reframe midlife and beyond as a celebratory, exciting new chapter full of endless possibilities. From inspirational tales of women who refuse to fade into the background, to valuable advice on navigating relationships, finances and health issues – we've featured them all. And such has been the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, we are now turning the hub into a FULL and FREE community where women like you can come together to shape something truly inspiring.
The cornerstones of the community will be two brand new newsletters. One monthly and one weekly. We are really excited about the monthly newsletter which will be themed and written by one of our roster of leading Second Act voices, including our editor at large, Rosie Green. The content will be reserved exclusively for Second Act subscribers.
We are also launching a monthly mentoring series, in the form of a five-minute video sent directly to your inbox featuring financial professionals, hormone specialists, life coaches and more. Again, it will be reserved exclusively for subscribers.
Below we have listed the inaugural benefits, and more will be added as we grow and shape the community. If you wish to help us shape our community, please take part in our one-slide survey here.
Member benefits
- Monthly newsletter written by one of our Second Act experts
- Weekly newsletter curating the best of our online Second Act articles
- Monthly mentoring videos
- Ask the expert
- Competitions
- Lots of exciting benefits to come...
Sign up to HELLO!'s Second Act newsletter today. This community is as much yours as it ours!
