
211. Emma Heming Willis and Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Why Women Face a Higher Alzheimer's Risk—Menopause, Brain Fog & Prevention
Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD
Women face a significant, under-researched risk of neurodegenerative diseases, with two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients being female. This vulnerability intensifies during perimenopause and menopause, as declining estrogen levels disrupt metabolic and cognitive function. Chronic inflammation, often exacerbated by the disproportionate caregiving burden placed on women, further accelerates this risk. Protecting long-term brain health requires a proactive, holistic approach that prioritizes restorative sleep, nutrient-dense diets, and stress management. Targeted supplementation—including ingredients like Cognizant, curcumin, and adaptogens—can bridge nutritional gaps, while hormone replacement therapy offers a potential pathway to mitigate cognitive decline. Rather than viewing these hormonal transitions as inevitable decay, women should treat them as a call to action to implement sustainable lifestyle habits that support both immediate mental clarity and long-term vitality.
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