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Menopause, often underestimated in its complexity, unfolds as a poignant chapter in the human experience, impacting half the population. It is marked by the intricate reconfiguration and refinement of the mind’s architecture.
Yet, despite its profound significance, menopause is frequently neglected, and crucial aspects of the transition, particularly its effects on the brain, are rarely addressed.
This historical oversight by the medical community towards the female brain has aggravated systemic misinformation, subtly shaping contemporary approaches to women’s health.
This week, I am joined by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, an eminent neuroscientist specializing in women’s health.
She holds distinguished roles as an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in Neurology and Radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She serves as the Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at WCM/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Acknowledged by The Times as one of the 17 most influential female scientists, she’s heralded as the “Mona Lisa of Neuroscience” by ELLE International. Additionally, she is a New York Times bestselling author with works like The XX Brain and Brain Food. Continually reshaping our comprehension of brain health and aging, Dr. Mosconi imparts her latest insights in her insightful new book, The Menopause Brain.
Dr. Mosconi’s scholarly pursuits navigate the intersections of cognition and women’s health, spotlighting the pivotal connection between the brain and hormonal regulation—casting menopause not as a conclusion but as a reset.
“Most of what we know about the brain comes from studies that focused on men and excluded women.”
– DR. LISA MOSCONI
In today’s conversation, Dr. Mosconi explains the distinctive aging trajectory of women’s brains compared to men’s, plunging into the central role of hormonal regulation. She confronts the ingrained perceptions of menopause, underscoring its neurological impact and advocating for its acknowledgment as a neuroendocrine transition state. Dr. Mosconi delves into the diverse menopausal experiences, scrutinizing the factors influencing the intensity of symptoms among women, and much more.
Furthermore, she examines the impact of genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s and dementia, the role of lifestyle in delaying the onset and comprehending the characteristics of Alzheimer’s and dementia, the pivotal role of neuro-nutrition in fueling the brain, and the controversial association of hormone replacement therapy with an elevated risk of dementia.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
While this is essential listening for women, I encourage everyone to tune in closely. Dr. Mosconi’s work acts as a crucial antidote to prevalent misinformation and the overall lack of education, not just regarding menopause but women’s health more broadly.
Enjoy!
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- Connect With Dr. Mosconi: Website | Instagram | X
- Book: The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence
- Book: The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
- Book: Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power
- Weill Cornell Medicine: Women’s Brain Initiative
- TED: How menopause affects the brain
- Elle: Lisa Mosconi: “La salud del cerebro es la salud de la mujer”
- The Times: The Women in Science Staging a Quiet Revolution
- MedPage Today: Autopsies Show Relationship Between Alzheimer’s Pathology and Diet in Older Adults
- Oprah Daily: How to Hold On to Your Marbles
- Oprah Daily: The Truth About Hormone Replacement and Dementia
- Flow Space: Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s Menopause Brain Research Is Reshaping the Way We View Hormone Therapy
- TED: Here’s what women should eat to maintain a healthy brain
- The New York Times: Do Hormone Treatments for Menopause Increase Dementia Risk?
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