199: Is menopause really hurting your brain?

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dr Sarah McKay, Oxford-educated neuroscientist, author of The Female Brain Book, and founder of the Neuroscience Academy.This is a powerful, nuanced conversation about what we know, what we don’t, and what’s being exaggerated online. Grounding, clarifying and deeply reassuring.If you’ve been worried about your brain in midlife, this episode is for you. The Hotflash inc Summit All Access Pass https://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-passComing Soon: The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy https://hotflashinc.comThank you to our sponsor: Phosis – Use code HOTFLASHINC for 15% off https://phosis.comFounded by Susan Campbell, Phosis is clinically proven, exceptionally clean skincare created specifically for dry, perimenopausal skin.What we explored this episode:07:15 – Cognitive load, smartphones & the myth of “midlife decline” 18:40 – Brain restructuring during menopause: adaptation vs degeneration 27:30 – “The brain eats itself” – what the mouse study actually showed 39:10 – Dementia risk: incidence vs prevalence explained clearly 44:30 – Absolute vs relative risk 58:20 – Hormone sensitivity, the pill & depression researchMemorable quote: “We absolutely must report absolute risk.”Fact check:Dr. Pauline M. Maki leads NIH-funded research on women’s cognitive/mental health and how sex hormones and reproductive transitions affect well-being.Dr Susan R. Davis is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow (since 2007) and Director of the Women’s Health Research Program at Monash University (School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine).TGA = Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, the government regulator for medicines, medical devices, and biologicals.Connect with our guest:Website: https://drsarahmckay.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckayJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information