new episodes every wednesday
What happens to the female brain in midlife is one of the least talked-about and most misunderstood health issues of our time. The slips in memory, the fog, the sudden loss of focus can feel alarming. But they’re not random, and they’re not a sign you’re broken, they’re a sign of change.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a leading neuroscientist who has dedicated her life’s work to studying women’s brains, bestselling author, and Director of the Women’s Brain Initiative at Weill Cornell Medicine, shares new findings from CARE, the first global study of its kind on women’s brains. Her research reveals why menopause marks a turning point for brain health, why women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and what science says can change that trajectory.
They talk about:
- How to tell the difference between brain fog and early signs of cognitive decline
- Why the drop in estrogen changes how the brain uses energy and what to do about it
- The window of time when hormone therapy may protect long-term brain health
- Foods and nutrients proven to support memory and focus in midlife
- Daily habits, from hydration to movement, that reduce risk and improve clarity
This is the conversation every woman deserves. Get the clarity, science, and solutions from one of the world’s leading experts on women’s brain health.
Scans from Dr. Mosconi's research:
00:00 Intro
02:28 Lisa Mosconi’s Personal Story and Why Women’s Brains Became Her Focus
05:34 Genetics, Family History, and Women’s Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s
09:52 Why Alzheimer’s Is a Disease of Midlife (Not Old Age)
14:02 How Brain Scans Reveal Menopause’s Impact on Memory and Focus
19:09 The Difference Between Pre, Peri, and Postmenopause Brain Changes
23:42 What Brain Fog Really Means (and Why It’s Not Dementia)
27:40 When to Seek Testing for Brain Fog and Cognitive Changes
31:56 Does Cognitive Function Rebound After Menopause?
39:17 Why Hormones Are Also Brain Chemicals (Not Just “Sex Hormones”)
43:07 A New Definition of Menopause: A Neuroendocrine Transition State
49:06 Hormonal Sensitivities: Why Symptoms Vary So Much Among Women
53:20 Hormone Therapy, the Women’s Health Initiative, and New Alzheimer’s Data
1:05:14 Food, Water, and Lifestyle Habits That Protect Brain Health
1:11:08 Exclusive First Look: Brand New Hormone Therapy & Alzheimer’s Risk Data
1:18:18 The CARE Program: Largest Menopause & Alzheimer’s Study Ever
1:27:44 The Future: A Female-Specific Alzheimer’s Risk Calculator
Watch the Full Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/@TamsenFadalTV
Get my new book, How To Menopause, Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before 💖 https://www.tamsenfadal.com/how-to-menopause
You can find Dr. Mosconi here:
Follow her on Instagram
Visit her website
Follow The Tamsen Show:
Watch full video episodes on YouTube
Connect with Tamsen Fadal:
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
Join Tamsen’s community!
Subscribe to Tamsen’s YouTube
Follow Tamsen on Instagram
Order Tamsen’s book – How To Menopause
🎧 Listen to The Tamsen Show podcast everywhere you get your podcasts!
I’m an Emmy Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, author, speaker, certified integrative nutrition coach, and passionate menopause advocate.
New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday!
Every episode of The Tamsen Show is here to help you navigate every stage of life with confidence. From career pivots to menopause, relationships to reinvention, Tamsen tackles the conversations women actually need, with real talk from experts, wellness advice and no filters.
join tamsen's community
Receive her best midlife tips, inspiration, and news straight to your inbox every week.