Menopause linked to memory problems

New women's health research has linked cognitive decline in some women to the onset of the menopause.

A study from the University of Rochester Medical Centre in the US is thought to be the first to scientifically verify the anecdotal evidence of many women who have undergone the biological change.

Researchers studied 75 women between the ages of 40 and 60, comparing their own assessment of their mental sharpness to objective measures of cognitive function.

Participants were also asked to record any menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression. Blood samples which were used to asses hormone concentration also contributed to the study.

Lead author Miriam Weber explained that memory complaints were transient, but could be reduced if women avoided multitasking.

She added that her own personal belief was that the effects were caused by changes in oestrogen levels, but so far results have not been able to corroborate this.