Study to examine memory problems during menopause

Women going through the menopause are invited to take part in a new study being led by Northumbria University.

During the menopause, many women experience problems in learning and remembering new information. This is commonly known as ‘brain fog’ and can be particularly challenging for women in the workplace.

A team of researchers from Northumbria’s Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre and the University of Lancaster are investigating the benefits of using rosemary, a common herb, to improve memory and cognitive performance during the menopause transition.

The researchers are encouraging women aged between 45-60 who work either full- or part-time and are experiencing regular problems with their memory or concentration at work to take part in the new study.

The participants will be asked to consume a rosemary product and complete short memory or cognition games on their mobile phone or internet-connected device over a three-month period. Participants will be asked to consume rosemary in one of two different ways, or they will be offered the most effective rosemary product at the end of the study.

Northumbria researchers have already conducted a number of studies that show rosemary can improve memory and alertness, but this is the first time they have examined the effect on women going through menopause.

The study is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact research assistant, Dale Metcalfe, at dale.r.metcalfe@northumbria.ac.u