Unlock Clearer Thinking: How Boosting Iron Levels Can Alleviate Brain Fog – Insights from Neuroscience

Recent research from the University of Oklahoma reveals a significant link between iron levels in the blood and cognitive performance in women going through menopause. It turns out that having enough iron can help with memory and attention, easing some of the mental fog many women experience during this transition.

This study, published in the journal Nutrients, indicates that women with adequate iron levels perform better on cognitive tasks. Surprisingly, higher blood iron does not lead to an increase in harmful iron deposits in the brain, which can raise the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Michael Wenger, a psychology professor at OU and a lead author of the study, emphasized, “As women reach menopause, they stop losing iron monthly, which changes the playing field for their cognitive health.”

The research team measured blood iron levels, used MRIs to assess brain iron levels, and evaluated cognitive function. While no participant was iron deficient, several had lower than optimal levels for their age. Those with insufficient iron showed slower memory and attention performance.

Dr. Wenger pointed out that even a slight deficiency in iron can affect cognitive speed. “If a woman is experiencing these delays, it can add up throughout her day,” he explained.

Importantly, the good news is that increased blood iron doesn’t mean there’s more iron in the brain. “That data is reassuring,” Dr. Wenger noted. “Having the right levels in the blood is beneficial without the risk of brain iron accumulation.”

Interestingly, many women are not routinely tested for iron deficiency, which could be a missed opportunity to identify a potential cause of brain fog during menopause. Dr. Wenger noted, “Low iron might also explain issues like changes in eyesight that some women report, as iron is crucial for producing dopamine, which is essential for vision.”

While iron supplements can often cause digestive issues, small adjustments in diet to include iron-rich foods may offer a practical solution. Dr. Wenger suggests these minor dietary changes could make menopausal transitions smoother.

The research team, however, faced challenges in recruitment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hopes to conduct a larger study in the future. Dr. Pamela Miles, an OB-GYN involved with the research, stated that while post-menopause health concerns are well understood, there’s still much to learn about the menopause transition itself.

Considering that women’s health during menopause often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, this research shines a light on the importance of iron levels in cognitive wellness during this phase. Tracking and addressing iron status could be a key step in alleviating the cognitive challenges faced by many women.

For further insights, you can explore more about this study in the original research article.

Source link

Aging,brain fog,brain research,cognition,iron,menopause,neurobiology,Neuroscience,University of Oklahoma