In this episode of the Dementia Researcher - Xxplored Women’s Brain Health podcast, host Dr Laura Stankeviciute speaks with Professor Claudia Barth from Charite University and Dr Gillian Coughlan from Harvard Medical School to examine the midlife transition, menopause and its significance for women’s brain health.

Together they outline what the menopause truly involves across the early, late, and post stages, and explain how hormonal change affects brain structure, energy use, mood, and cognition. They also explore why this period may coincide with greater vulnerability to later Alzheimer’s disease and discuss the role of early or surgical menopause, symptom severity, and gaps in existing research cohorts.

The episode highlights the need for richer reproductive data, real time biomarker studies, and closer collaboration with digital health tools to better capture women’s lived experiences. It reflects a growing wave of research and public interest aimed at improving understanding, support, and evidence based care during this important life stage.

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Takeaways

● Menopause is a long transition shaped by fluctuating hormones.

● Cognitive and mood symptoms reflect changes in brain networks.

● Earlier menopause is linked with increased later Alzheimer’s risk.

● Major research cohorts lack detailed reproductive data.

● New real time studies are beginning to track symptoms and biomarkers.

● Digital tools will be key for future research.

● Better global representation is needed across studies.

● Momentum is building to close long standing gaps in women’s health.

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Find bios on all our speakers, a full transcript of the show and more on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Menopause and Research Focus

07:25 Understanding Menopause: Definitions and Stages

16:27 Menopause and Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Connection

22:43 Understanding Menopause and Brain Health

25:21 Historical Blind Spots in Alzheimer's Research

26:38 The Importance of Reproductive Variables

31:46 Biomarkers and Methodologies in Women's Health Research

35:28 Industry Collaboration in Research

39:00 Personal Reflections on Women's Brain Health