KQED's Forum Is This Menopausal Brain Fog Or Am I Losing My Mind?
Jan 8, 2026
In this enlightening discussion, writer Anna Holmes shares her personal struggles with brain fog during perimenopause, reflecting on her mother's experience with dementia. Dr. Niyatee Samudra, a neurologist specializing in cognitive changes, clarifies the distinctions between menopause and dementia. They explore the emotional impact of forgetfulness, cultural silence surrounding menopause, and innovative solutions like HRT. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and prepares listeners for the complexities of midlife memory changes.
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Word Retrieval Moments
- Anna Holmes describes frequent word-retrieval blanks that sometimes take several seconds to resolve.
- She gives examples like forgetting the word "console" and needing a thesaurus while writing.
Everyday Forgetfulness Examples
- Anna recounts everyday forgetfulness like leaving keys in doors and failing to lock her car.
- These lapses felt humiliating because they were evident to others and different from her previous sharpness.
Generational Silence On Menopause
- Perimenopause symptoms often surprise Gen X women because the topic was rarely discussed by older generations.
- Public conversations now help younger women prepare and avoid the "why didn't anyone tell me" shock.
