We are delighted to share that Professor Barbara Sahakian and Dr Christelle Langley, Fellow and Affiliated Postdoctoral Member of Clare Hall respectively, co-authored a new study published yesterday in Psychological Medicine that explores how menopause relates to changes in brain structure and emotional and cognitive wellbeing.

The research, involving data from nearly 125,000 women, found that menopause is associated with reductions in grey matter volume in key regions of the brain, as well as higher levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not appear to prevent these changes, the study offers important insights into the neurobiological effects of menopause and the complex interplay between brain structure, mood, and cognition.

Professor Sahakian and Dr Langley’s contribution to this large-scale collaborative project helps deepen understanding of how a major life transition can influence brain health and underscores the importance of supporting mental and cognitive wellbeing during midlife and beyond.

Find the University of Cambridge news article here.