Complaints of reduced cognitive functioning during perimenopause: a cross-sectional analysis of the Japan Nurses’ Health Study

Abstract

Background Many women experience various symptoms during the period of menopausal transition, including complaints of reduced cognitive functioning. However, these complaints are not necessarily recognized as core menopausal symptoms. In this study, we sought to characterize subjective complaints of reduced cognitive functioning by analyzing cross-sectional data from the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (JNHS). Methods The JNHS 4-year follow-up questionnaire containing a 21-item climacteric symptom checklist, which included a question about “poor memory or forgetfulness”, was mailed between 2005 and 2011 to all JNHS participants, regardless of their age at the time of the survey. We estimated the prevalence of slight and severe complaints in 5-year age-groups. We used principal component analysis to explore the underlying factors among the 21 symptoms during the menopausal transition period in women aged 45–54 years at the time of the survey. We also examined risk factors for complaints using multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis. Results In total, 12,507 women responded to the 4-year survey. The mean age at the time of the 4-year survey was 46.5 years (range 27–82). “Poor memory or forgetfulness” showed a peak prevalence of 81.7% (severe 27.9%; slight 53.8%) at 50–54 years, and gradually decreased after 55 years. Principal component analysis indicated that “poor memory or forgetfulness” belonged to somatic symptoms and was close to psychological symptoms in women aged 45–54 years. In women aged 45–54 years, the complaint was also significantly associated with hot flashes and sweats. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis showed that menopausal status (uncertain and postmenopausal), less sleep (sleep of < 5 h and sleep of 5– < 6 h), night-shift work, and severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) were significantly associated with the prevalence of severe complaints of reduced cognitive functioning in women aged 45–54 years. Conclusions We found that prevalence of “poor memory or forgetfulness” was highest during the menopausal transition period and among perimenopausal women. This subjective complaint was associated with somatic, psychological complaints and VMS. It may be useful for women with cognitive problems in the transition period to consider management of comorbid menopausal symptoms.

Evaluation of the Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised in a menopausal population: understanding the brain fog during menopause

“…The findings of the highest mean score in the perimenopausal group compared with pre- and early postmenopausal groups on three retrieval items and retrieval subscale are consistent with the increased memory complaints reported by perimenopausal women in previous research 4,14 . A similar score between the pre- and early postmenopausal groups suggests a temporary increase of memory retrieval difficulties during the perimenopausal stage, with a possible improvement to premenopausal level when entering into a postmenopausal stage.…”

“…Everyday memory complaints and difficulty concentrating are frequently reported during the menopause transition. Up to 70% of women report attention and memory problems during menopause combined with other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, depressed mood, and night-time awakening 1-4 . Poor memory and poor concentration during menopause can have a significant impact on work and life in general 5 .…”

“…Up to 70% of women report attention and memory problems during menopause combined with other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, depressed mood, and night-time awakening. [1][2][3][4] Poor memory and poor concentration during menopause can have a significant impact on work and life in general. 5 In addition, associations between subjective complaints and objective measurements of cognition further support the women's accurate appraisals of their cognitive complaints experienced in daily life and their influences on daily functioning.…”

Evaluation of The Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised in Menopausal Population: Understanding the Brain Fog During Menopause

“…The findings of the highest mean score in peri-menopausal group compared to pre-and early post-groups on three retrieval items and retrieval subscale are consistent with the increased memory complaints reported by perimenopausal women in previous research. 4,14 A similar score between preand early post-suggests a temporary increase of memory retrieval difficulties during peri-menopausal stage, with a possible improvement to pre-menopausal level when entering into a post-menopausal stage. This finding has further reinforced the evidence of non-linear cognitive change trajectory across perimenopause as a result of transition stage effect and hormonal fluctuations.…”

Omega-3-Rich Tuna Oil Derived from By-Products of the Canned Tuna Industry Enhances Memory in an Ovariectomized Rat Model of Menopause

“…The decrease in or the eventual cessation of estrogen has been reported to produce various menopause-related disorders including anxiety, depression, and memory impairment [2,3]. Memory deficit is recognized as an important problem in post-menopausal women [4][5][6].…”