Minding menopause in patients with cognitive impairment: a patients' perspective and reflections on clinical practice

Abstract

Many women experience impairment in cognitive function during perimenopause. These symptoms are often not attributed to perimenopause by women themselves, by family and friends, and by health care professionals. In this piece, we present a case in which perimenopausal complaints were attributed to early dementia and discuss mechanisms contributing to the low level of awareness of perimenopausal amongst patients and clinicians. Stigma amongst women and health care professionals impairs the recognition of perimenopausal complaints, and consideration of treatment options by clinicians. We advocate for increased awareness amongst patients and physicians by increasing education and incorporating potential menopause-related symptoms in general clinical guidelines.