Normal, Or A Problem?

Hi friend,

On the list of things we worry about, our health is up there (also: world events, the deleterious effects of technology, and many other things). And as anyone who has a loved one with dementia knows, mental health issues can be much scarier and more debilitating than physical ones.

The good news is, many people are working on solutions, and new research is constantly emerging. Like this fascinating Guardian report on how an international group of scientists is studying the “brain microbiome” to learn “the role of microbes in the brain, to devise ways to diagnose and treat brain infections that might ordinarily fly under the medical radar, and to identify useful preventive measures, from vaccines to lifestyle factors.” 

There are a few actionable takeaways. First, stay on top of your vaccines and then – this is very important – be proactive about your oral health. Because: “Gum disease has long been associated with dementia risk and ‘it has been demonstrated that certain organisms like periodontal bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) may actually increase blood-brain barrier permeability – not a good thing’.” This article includes similarly straightforward information on lifestyle factors that can impact your risks.

For women, oophorectomy is also associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia, along with other health issues. That’s per the Times, which has a new article out about how some doctors are shifting their thinking about hysterectomy.

This week, we have an interview with the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic to talk about memory issues and what women should know. Read on for that, plus: affordable gifts, the new podcast we’re listening to, and more.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

An occasional memory lapse does not signify a larger problem — most of the time. Our brains can feel fogged over for numerous reasons, from work stress to overstimulation to the desperate need for a good night’s sleep. 

Though in some instances, there might be a more serious issue, explains neuropsychologist Jessica Caldwell PhD, the E.L. Wiegand Chair and Director for the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic.  

“Women are about two-thirds of the people with a current Alzheimer’s diagnosis,” says Caldwell, whose research focuses on the population of women with a family history of the disease, and how lifestyle changes in the present might help them mitigate brain health challenges in the future. The clinic is also educating women, and the general public, about Alzheimer’s disease: a broad term for memory and cognition loss, which is not a normal aspect of aging and is serious enough to interfere with daily life. While an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be alarming, it’s important to know that early evaluation, and intervention, are available and impactful. 

“We are looking at everything from the most common risks women come in with to how they do over the course of treatment to how they make changes, and then also inviting those women to participate in other types of studies.” 

We spoke with Dr. Caldwell about why it’s crucial to take our brain health seriously earlier in life, what’s happening to a mind going through menopause, and when a “normal forgetting episode” crosses into something else.  

Can we start by talking about why it’s pivotal to break out women as a specific group when it comes to studying brain health, and specifically Alzheimer’s? 

I [see] patients who are women that have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. I look at the impact of stress and estrogen changes across age 30-60, so the menopause transition, and how those two things might come together to really alter the way that inflammation happens in women’s bodies and the ways our brains work when we’re trying to learn and remember. We know that hyper-inflammation and peripheral inflammation are not great for memory, and I’m wondering if these have a long-term impact on brain health. 

We also know that men don’t experience a similar shift. They have a much slower loss of testosterone, and it happens later in life. So this study is one that has to be done in women, and we need it because these studies just haven’t been done in the past, because women haven’t been as big a focus of the research as they’re now becoming. It's not about the need to compare women to men; it’s about trying to understand what factors may underlie women’s greater impact from Alzheimer’s disease. 

What is the relationship between that estrogen shift around menopause and memory? 

It’s complex. Half the population goes through menopause, but not all women develop dementia. It’s not as if losing estrogen equals getting dementia later. What we do know is that, throughout the memory system in the brain, we have estrogen receptors — this is also true for men — and these estrogen receptors promote stronger memory and support the health of neurons in the regions where they exist. When women have that steep drop of estrogen during menopause, their brains have to adjust to not having that estrogen around, which impacts memory in some women who are sensitive to it. 

What we need to figure out is: Who are the women most sensitive to that estrogen change when it comes to memory? And what should they be doing about it? Because there do seem to be women who recover less well after menopause when it comes to memory, and it may be that those are the women who have the most risk of experiencing memory problems later. But it’s not everyone. 

Can you share more about the risks, and about lifestyle changes that can help mitigate them? 

This sleek bedside lamp is also – surprise – a very luxe alarm. Set it to wake you with a warm glow, like your own personal, tiny sunrise. At night, you can adjust the light to make it easier to doze off after using it, too. It’s one of those next-level gadgets that makes for a great gift. Just for Gloria readers, use code GLORIA20 for 20 percent off orders over $125. #partner

Maybe you’re shopping for a White Elephant gift exchange, or someone you only know casually – or perhaps, you simply do not want to spend a lot right now. No matter the reason, finding a cute and affordable gift can be a chore. So we did the work for you. Here, 10 ideas.

• We always appreciate a pretty paper calendar, and this one feels like it’d work in almost any home. Rothko 2025 Wall Calendar, $17.

• These stunning assorted chocolate boxes from the artisanal brand Charles Chocolates are our favorite hostess gifts. As an added bonus, Gloria readers receive a free chocolate bar with their first order of $25 or more with this link. Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection, $24. #partner

• There’s nothing quite like a fresh new notebook and a pack of smooth-writing pens. Muji Double-Ring Notebook, $1, and Pen Set, $9.90.

• This kit is full of nice and useful products. Burt’s Bees Essentials Kit, $10.

• These bath “flakes” made of aromatic Japanese Hinoki Cypress wood are cool and reusable. Tosaryu Hinoki Aroma Bath Flakes, $8.

• Fancy French salt is always fun. Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt, $14.95.

• For the person looking for an easy new hobby. Wool and the Gang Monstera Beginner Needlepoint, $21.

• A jam sampler? Great idea. Bonne Maman Sampler Tin, $26.90.

• This fancy hand lotion is from a French brand launched in 1878. Feret Parfumeur Hyalomiel Moisturizing Hyaline Jelly With Organic Honey, $18.50.

• Beautiful illustrations upgrade this deck of cards. Art of Play Playing Cards, $18.

Shop the Story

TO WATCH Based upon the novel of the same name, the new film Nightbitch stars Amy Adams as a woman who goes fully feral – as in, transforms into a dog – as an exhausted and sidelined mother of a toddler. Expect wild body horror borne out of everyday, extremely relatable struggles. Also out in theaters: Gripping docudrama The Order stars a worn-looking Jude Law as an FBI agent in Idaho trying to puzzle out a series of violent crimes tied to white supremacist groups.

TO GIFT The holidays are coming up extremely soon, and if you don’t feel prepared yet, this is a good shopping guide to start with. Ann Taylor has pulled together a pretty assortment of pieces to wear and gift, including classic peacoats, sparkly skirts and bags, and cozy pajamas. Shop for the women on your list – or yourself, of course – with this link. #partner

TO LISTEN New spy podcast The Rest is Classified offers a look into historic events and how agencies like MI6 and the CIA pulled strings in the shadows. It’s hosted by a Brit and an American; early episodes cover the 1953 Iranian coup.

TO STREAM Two promising new comedies: Caper film The Sticky (out now on Prime Video) is a fictionalized spin on the very real “Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist.” Big Boys, a British series about two very different boys who become friends at college (now on Hulu), also looks extremely funny.

“I feel ok about my neck for now but am monitoring the situation.” • Why the politics of Wicked feel so timely. • This essay about the value in slowing down to cook a meal from scratch is nice. • On regrets: “I should have never picked up that gun.” • Just some BTS footage of Adam Brody smiling and posing.

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