Ms Sandra Villella1
1Jean Hailes For Women’s Health, East Melbourne, Australia
Changes in cognitive function are commonly reported during the menopausal transition, and impact quality of life. Concern is often expressed about whether these changes may be signs of more serious cognitive disorders.
Exploration of the evidence for lifestyle factors, diet, herbal medicines, nutraceuticals to address cognitive decline will be explored. A review of the literature for soy isoflavones (SIFs) impact on cognitive function, particularly memory will be presented. SIFs are selective oestrogen receptor modulators with a selective binding to oestrogen receptor Beta, which are highly expressed in the brain. Research demonstrates benefit particularly in those who are equol producers and suggests a window of opportunity in initiating SIFs use.
Midlife conversely, is also the ideal time to address the modifiable risk factors for dementia. Interventions to address these risk factors are associated with significant decreased dementia risk. More recently hyperhomocysteinemia, psychological stress and heavy drinking have been associated with elevated dementia risk. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased risk of dementia.
A snapshot of the research will help inform of the lifestyle, diet and complementary factors that influence cognition during the menopausal transition.
Biography:
Sandra Villella has been practicing as a naturopath for three decades in private practice and has been the consultant naturopath at Jean Hailes for women’s health since 1999. She works as part of a collaborative health care team with general practitioners, medical specialists and other allied health professionals, and she is responsible for the development of educational resources on complementary medicine and therapies for women, for the website, national magazine, webinars and seminars, for both the general public and health professionals. She also creates recipes for the “Jean Hailes kitchen” which provide health based nutritional educational messages.