#147 Discover the 6 Pillars to a Stronger and Healthier Brain Through Menopause; With Susan Saunders

Happy Hormones Podcast

One of the most obvious things you might be noticing as you get older (and a key symptom of menopause) is the way your brain works (or doesn’t!). And it can be scary. Especially if you have dementia in the family.
While some decline is natural, exciting research reveals proactive steps we can take to nurture and protect our cognitive function for years to come.
Want to learn science-backed tricks to optimise your brainpower and age well? This episode is for you! My guest, Susan Saunders, is one of the inspirational women featured in my upcoming book on healthy ageing. Susan's passion for brain health started after caring for loved ones with dementia. Now a qualified health coach, she helps women over 50 build habits that lower their risk of dementia and sharpen their minds.
In this episode, we explore the six pillars for improving brain health and reducing your risk of dementia as you age. Susan shares practical wisdom and simple lifestyle changes to keep your mind sharp and your memory in top shape.
You'll learn how to take control of your brain health as you age, paving the way for a bright future with a strong mind.
–TOPICS COVERED–
00:37 - The single most crucial step we can take to care for our brains in later years
01:48 - How the brain changes after age 50 and the effects of menopause on cognitive function
04:10 - Our brain’s ability to adapt, reconfigure, and overcome post-menopause challenges
05:16 - What got Susan on the journey into understanding neurological health
07:59 - Working on lifestyle factors for dementia prevention
08:57 - The six pillars to a stronger and healthier brain
09:59 - How diet plays a huge role in nourishing the mind
14:18 - The often overlooked importance of protein in maintaining cognitive function
16:34 - How exercise boosts brain fitness
20:36 - The crucial impact of sleep on the brain
21:21 - Practical tips for prioritising and improving sleep quality
23:26 - The link between lack of sleep and diminished mental capacities
26:20 - Exploring the effects of stress on the brain and why it's a major risk factor
28:52 - Cognitive engagement strategies to reduce risk of neurodegeneration
30:56 - Unpacking the "social and built environment" pillar
33:58 - Why there is a strong emphasis on building healthy habits to lower dementia risk
If you enjoyed this episode, please head to Apple Podcasts, give this a follow, and leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/happy-hormones-podcast/id1497554597
Read the blog and watch the full interview here; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/brain-health
If you need any help or support with your health or hormones, do contact us for more info on our testing and 1-1 services; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact
Connect with Susan Saunders at:Website - https://susansaundershealth.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/susansaundershealth/