As midlife women, we’re already navigating hormonal shifts, brain fog, and forgetfulness. Are we just getting older, or is something more serious happening?

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, host Stephanie Shaw sits down with Dr. Teryn Clarke, a neurologist specializing in cognitive health, to break down the overlap between menopause symptoms and early dementia signs.

We expect changes in memory and focus during perimenopause—after all, shifting estrogen levels can affect cognitive function.

But if you find yourself:

✅ Struggling more with multitasking than usual ✅ Forgetting important appointments or deadlines ✅ Feeling mentally drained even after a full night’s sleep

…it might be time to take a closer look.

Dr. Clarke explains that dementia and menopause symptoms can mimic each other—but the difference is persistence and progression. If cognitive struggles feel like they’re getting worse instead of improving, it’s time to explore deeper brain health strategies.

The good news? Nearly 50% of dementia cases are preventable. Dr. Clarke shares the powerful lifestyle changes that can protect brain health and help us stay sharp as we age.

[00:01:14] – Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference? [00:08:22] – Why Menopause Brain Fog & Dementia Can Look Alike [00:14:40] – When Multitasking Struggles Could Be a Warning Sign [00:19:28] – How Sugar & Insulin Resistance Impact Memory [00:22:19] – Signs Your Parents May Need a Cognitive Health Check [00:27:38] – The Role Lifestyle Has in Preventing Cognitive Decline [00:32:08] – Steps You Can Take Today to Protect Your Brain

Don't ignore the signs—whether in yourself or your loved ones. Knowledge is power, and early action can make all the difference.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Teryn Clarke is a neurologist who practices in Orange County California. Her clinic focuses on cognitive health and she was named "Dementia Care Specialist of the Year" by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in 2015. She wants everyone to know that they have more control over whether or not they get Alzheimer's than they might think. She recently published her first book, Brain Health Action Plan. In it, she translates the latest research in brain science into a step-by-step guide to help people get their brains as far away from Alzheimer's as possible.

https://youtube.com/clarkeneurology9425

https://instagram.com/brainhealthactionplan

Additional Resources:

• Feeling overwhelmed by life, work, family…menopause? It’s time to pause, breathe, and focus on YOU. Planted and Restored is a 3-day Christian retreat designed to help you reset your approach to self-care, giving you the space to reflect on how to prioritize your health and well-being. Through guided sessions on nutrition, prayer, and reflection, you’ll gain clarity on how to integrate healthier habits into your everyday life without compromising your responsibilities. Join the waitlist today: hellohotflash.com/retreat
• Check out my limited series podcast "Christian Women and Menopause" for Bible-based strategies on dealing with menopause symptoms like stress, anxiety, and depression.