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

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 years01:48 - How the brain changes after age 50 and the effects of menopause on cognitive function04:10 - Our brain’s ability to adapt, reconfigure, and overcome post-menopause challenges05:16 - What got Susan on the journey into understanding neurological health07:59 - Working on lifestyle factors for dementia prevention08:57 - The six pillars to a stronger and healthier brain09:59 - How diet plays a huge role in nourishing the mind14:18 - The often overlooked importance of protein in maintaining cognitive function16:34 - How exercise boosts brain fitness20:36 - The crucial impact of sleep on the brain21:21 - Practical tips for prioritising and improving sleep quality23:26 - The link between lack of sleep and diminished mental capacities26:20 - Exploring the effects of stress on the brain and why it's a major risk factor28:52 - Cognitive engagement strategies to reduce risk of neurodegeneration30:56 - Unpacking the "social and built environment" pillar33:58 - Why there is a strong emphasis on building healthy habits to lower dementia riskIf 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/id1497554597Read 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/contactConnect with Susan Saunders at:Website - https://susansaundershealth.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/susansaundershealth/

Om Podcasten

This podcast is for you if you're struggling with 'unhappy' hormones! Whether you're pre, peri or post menopause, your hormones can be out of balance, and that can result in you feeling like you've lost control of how you look, feel, think and perform.Your host is Nicki Williams, award-winning nutritionist, author, speaker and founder of Happy Hormones for Life. After failing to find any medical help for her hormone symptoms in her early 40's, she discovered she could turn things around through comprehensive testing, diet, lifestyle and supplements. She and her team at Happy Hormones now help women all over the world to rebalance their hormones, reclaim their health and feel better than ever!In this podcast, enjoy a mix of Quick Tip episodes with practical solutions, alongside interviews with experts on a variety of health topics. Visit the website for lots of free resources to help you further; www.happyhormonesforlife.com or buy the book "Its Not You, It's Your Hormones" on Amazon.