Word-Based Exercises Help Manage Menopause Brain Fog
Switching from number puzzles to word games may better target the specific memory and processing speed gaps in menopause.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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At the September 2026 Livelong Women's Health Summit, UCLA neurologist Rhonda Voskuhl reported that word-based exercises are more effective than number puzzles for managing brain fog. This distinction is particularly relevant for those navigating perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
Why it matters
Brain fog during menopause often involves difficulty with verbal memory and processing speed rather than logical reasoning. Shifting from number games like Sudoku to language-heavy tasks may better target the specific cognitive areas affected by these hormonal changes.
Neurological observation indicates that brain fog in menopause specifically impairs information retrieval and functional connectivity in the hippocampus. Unlike number-based logic puzzles, word-based exercises are better suited to address these distinct deficits in verbal memory.
The players
Rhonda Voskuhl
A professor of neurology at UCLA who focuses on neurological conditions including brain fog.
Cleopatra RX
A company co-founded by Rhonda Voskuhl that operates out of Los Angeles.
The details
Brain fog associated with hormonal transitions primarily targets the brain's ability to retrieve information rather than its capacity for storage. Research suggests that the hippocampus exhibits functional connection issues during these periods. To be effective, cognitive exercises must specifically prompt active word-finding and require rapid response times to improve processing speed, rather than focusing on the logic-based skills utilized in math puzzles.
Timeline
Rhonda Voskuhl presented these findings in September 2026 at the Livelong Women's Health Summit in New York City.
Health Landscape
This development shifts the standard approach to cognitive health during menopause from generalized brain training to targeted linguistic intervention. It aligns with broader research efforts at the UCLA neurology research program to isolate the specific neurological mechanisms of brain fog.
If you are experiencing brain fog during perimenopause or menopause, prioritize games that focus on active word-finding and rapid response. Consider discussing these cognitive changes with your physician to distinguish between common hormone-related fog and other memory concerns.
The takeaway
Brain fog during menopause is more effectively challenged by linguistic tasks that improve processing speed and word retrieval. Try swapping your daily number puzzle for activities like crossword puzzles or word association games to better support your specific cognitive needs.
Further reading
To learn more about maintaining cognitive function, explore the latest research on Alzheimer’s.
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Do you believe targeted word-based exercises are effective for managing your personal memory or focus?
