Risk factors Hypertension A 2019 literature review identified hypertension and a history of preeclampsia as significant risk factors for the accelerated decline of cognitive function in women during midlife. Although the mechanism remains unclear, neuroimaging studies included in the review have revealed that those with hypertension have evident structural changes in their brains. Specifically, gray matter brain volume decreased and white matter hyperintensity volume increased. Atherosclerosis and comorbidities Atherosclerosis and comorbidities such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus have long been considered risk factors for cognitive decline because they have the propensity to cause the formation of amyloid plaques, aggregates of misfolded, deleterious proteins, in the brain. Insomnia Many<unk>  women complain of insomnia. Studies have shown "associations between poor sleep quality and cognitive decline" in<unk>  women as those with insufficient sleep or difficulty falling or staying asleep have reported decreased cognitive performance including "verbal memory, attention, and general cognition." Depression There is evidence linking depression and cognitive decline in<unk>  women. Research suggests that increased cortisol levels from depressive episodes may affect the hippocampus, area of the brain responsible for episodic memory. Studies have also shown a correlation between depression and decreased cognitive performance including "processing speed, verbal memory, and working memory" in<unk>  women. Hot Flashes There are studies indicating a correlation between frequency of hot flashes in<unk>  women and a deficit in verbal memory performance. It is suggested that faster blood flow in the brain or higher cortisol levels from hot flashes may cause changes in the brain and affect information processing and memory. Surgical Menopause A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis identified surgical menopause, especially when performed at or before the age of 45, as a substantial risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Cardiac Procedures Lesions in the brain as indicated by arrows. Cardiac procedures such as invasive cerebral and coronary angiography, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), surgical aortic valve replacement, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have been found to increase the risk of cognitive decline in females as they been found to increase the incidence of brain lesions.
Postmenopausal confusion
Hyperprolactinemic SAHA syndrome
Late-onset hypogonadism
Premenstrual syndrome
Syndrome of subjective doubles
Amenomania
Menstrual disorder
Postorgasmic illness syndrome