In a recent paper published in the June 2026 edition of the journal Menopause, Jessica Caldwell, PhD takes a close look at what happens to women’s brains during midlife; a time period that may be critical for long-term cognitive health. Caldwell is the multi-Principal Investigator of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) study at Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute. Her article, “Brain and Cognitive Health at Midlife,” emphasizes that the menopause transition is not only a hormonal shift, but a neurological one shaping memory, attention, and overall brain function.

In the paper, she describes that women face unique risks for cognitive aging, noting that hormone changes, chronic disease, lifestyle, and social factors all interact to influence brain health. Women’s cognitive aging, she writes, is shaped by “genetics, menopause, chronic disease, and lifestyle,” highlighting the need for an early, whole-person approach to prevention.

Dr. Caldwell’s research reframes common experiences like “brain fog” during menopause as both real and measurable, yet often temporary. Framing midlife as a window of opportunity, when interventions such as sleep and stress management, consistent physical activity, and addressing cardiovascular health may help protect the brain over time. The article also discusses hormone therapy, which could be helpful for women experiencing early menopause—with symptoms before age 45. Hormone therapy has not been found to prevent cognitive decline in typical-age menopause, but its role in overall reduction of menopause symptoms may be helpful for long-term brain health.

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Dr. Caldwell also expanded on this topic in a recent conversation with the website Being Patient, where she discussed why women account for a higher share of Alzheimer’s rates and how menopause, genetics, and life stressors may intersect to shape that risk. Watch the full interview on the Being Patient website: What Drives Women’s Higher Alzheimer’s Risk?.