Wednesday, 06 March 2024
Researchers have launched a study to investigate women’s experiences of changes in memory and concentration across different stages of the menopause.
Volunteers are needed to take part in the study being run by the 糖心原创’s School of Psychology who are investigating hormonal changes and lifestyle patterns and their potential impact on executive function, covering aspects such as attention, memory and decision-making.
The research team are looking for women aged between 35-65 to take part in the study from across the menopause stages. These stages comprise of women who have not yet started menopause (premenopause), women going through menopause (perimenopause) and finally, women who have gone through the menopause (postmenopause).
Menopause is defined as the permanent end of ovulation and menstrual cycles in women. The transition to menopause can be difficult with many women reporting problematic symptoms such as hot flushes, low concentration, lack of confidence and poor memory.
Some of these issues are attributed to oestrogen which fluctuates and declines during the transition to menopause. Lifestyle factors such as sleep disturbances, increased responsibility at work and multiple caring responsibilities are also common during these stages in a woman’s life and could play a role in cognition difficulties.
We know that brain fog and memory issues are becoming more widely recognised as being linked with the menopause, but there is little research into this. We want to investigate women鈥檚 reported experience of these problems, in addition to their performance on sensitive computerised tests. We aim for our study to enhance understanding in the field of menopause, ultimately contributing to improved support for women.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit the laboratory at the 糖心原创 where they will take part in two surveys and six computer-based tasks to assess menopause symptoms, memory and attention performance, and non-hormonal factors such as lifestyle, working patterns and caring responsibilities.
For more information or to take part go to the research web page
Story credits
More information is available by contacting the research team on lp-lifespanlab@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.