Breathe
By Daniela Guerrero Gallo
Being the field of neurosciences very dynamic and with constant findings, the approach I have tried to give to my work is to remain in continuous learning.
I participate in the group of specialists Without Rules, working like professionals in other fields, to bring more women closer to the experience of an informed menopause and with the intervention of professionals who make this stage is not lived as a taboo but in fullness.
Menopause is an inherent stage in the life of every woman, which involves both neurological and endocrine changes. These changes are triggered by the decrease in sex hormones. When estrogen levels begin to fall, changes occur in nerve cells that modify both their form and function, affecting glucose metabolism and gene expression.
When this brain-endocrine axis is affected, we experience the cognitive symptoms commonly associated with menopause: forgetfulness, concentration problems, sleep disturbances, altered mood and hot flashes, to name a few.
This cognitive impairment has some improvement with hormone replacement treatment, however, it is recommended that women who begin to experience these symptoms, have an assessment with a specialist in neuropsychology. In this assessment, the specialist, through an interview and application of tests, will be able not only to establish whether or not there is a cognitive impairment and its degree, but also to guide the woman preventively towards the performance of exercises or the use of intervention techniques, focused on rehabilitating the affected functions, allowing the woman to continue feeling full in the multiple facets of her life.
To quote Dr. Mosconi: "Menopause is a dynamic neurological transition, reshaping the neural network of the female brain during endocrine aging, serving as part of the process for future stages".
That said, just as we invest in prevention in various areas of health or aesthetics, we should not abandon or discard cognitive care in menopause, being of vital importance to maintain our professional and personal activity at optimal levels, as well as to feel full and able to take on new challenges and complete current projects.
If you want to keep your brain at its best, there is a lot you can do, as a specialist in rehabilitation of cognitive functions, I recommend simple exercises and actions that you can incorporate into your routine such as:
- Board games requiring cognitive effort
- Book clubs where critical analysis is encouraged
- Mathematical reasoning exercises that can be found on the Internet.
- Memorize as before our 5/10 most used phone numbers
- Auditory recognition tasks with the first chords of a song
- Amateur autobiography writing
- Learning a new language
- Learning to play an instrument
- Learning or practicing crafts that require multiple cognitive skills such as knitting, sculpting, etc.
- Do not isolate yourself, socialize whenever possible.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
Comments ()