Cognitive transformation linked to menopause and memory decline
In the journey of menopause, women often experience cognitive issues such as brain fog and memory lapses. A growing body of research suggests that choline supplementation, particularly in the form of citicoline, could offer a promising solution to improve brain connectivity and neurotransmitter function essential for memory.
The role of choline, an essential nutrient, becomes crucial during menopause. It is the building block of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory. During menopause, the decrease in oestrogen, a hormone that naturally supports cognition in younger women, leads to a reduction in the release of acetylcholine. This deficiency can be offset by increasing choline intake.
Oestrogen performs important functions in the brain, promoting the production and activation of acetylcholine-producing cells in the learning and memory areas. It also facilitates the production of choline in the body and stimulates the release of the enzyme that converts choline to acetylcholine. However, with the drastic drop in oestrogen levels during menopause (up to 95%), the function of these acetylcholine-producing cells decreases.
Recent studies indicate that increasing choline intake can help counteract cognitive decline often experienced during menopause. Brain feed has even created the world's first 500mg Alpha GPC capsule containing 99% Alpha GPC, the purest form of Alpha GPC. Alpha GPC, which is 41% choline by weight, can increase choline levels within 1-3 hours post-intake.
Dietary sources rich in choline, such as eggs, are also recommended to support memory by aiding acetylcholine synthesis during menopause. An animal study showed that supplementation of fenugreek, choline, and DHA improved memory in menopausal rats. Moreover, patients on nutrition support who received choline supplementation for 6 months performed better at memory tests.
The benefits of choline supplementation are not limited to cognitive support. It also enhances brain energy, neurotransmitter activity, and cognitive clarity. The evidence for the benefits of choline supplementation on brain health in menopausal women is strong, but further research is warranted to fully understand its potential.
It's important to note that 80% of postmenopausal women developed deficiency symptoms due to a low choline diet. In the US between 2011 and 2014, less than 3% of women over the age of 70 consumed adequate choline to meet their needs. This underscores the need for dietary and supplemental choline to mitigate menopausal cognitive symptoms.
In conclusion, menopause often causes brain fog and memory issues due to hormonal changes. Choline supplementation (notably as citicoline) improves brain connectivity and neurotransmitter function essential for memory in menopausal women. Dietary choline intake supports acetylcholine production linked to memory. These effects make choline a promising nootropic option for cognitive support during and after menopause.
This conclusion is based on recent studies and expert recommendations, highlighting a growing consensus on choline’s positive role in menopausal cognitive health.
The essential nutrient choline, a building block of acetylcholine, plays a crucial role during menopause, as the deficiency in acetylcholine due to lower estrogen levels can be offset by increasing choline intake. Furthermore, the benefits of choline supplementation are not limited to cognitive support, as it also enhances brain energy, neurotransmitter activity, and cognitive clarity, making it a promising nootropic option for enhancing women's health and mental health during and after menopause.
