Is it Alzheimer's or Perimenopause? 5 Ways to Protect Your Midlife Brain with Dr. Majid Fotuhi
Is it Alzheimer's or Perimenopause? 5 Ways to Protect Your Midlife Brain with Dr. Majid Fotuhi  
Podcast: BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie
Published On: Mon Mar 02 2026
Description: Your keys aren't lost. Your mind isn't going. And no, that's not Alzheimer's. Dr. Majid Fotuhi, Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins University & author of The Invincible Brain, busts the biggest myth in women's brain health: that the fog, the forgetfulness, and the "wait, why did I walk in here?" moments of perimenopause are a sign of something sinister. Spoiler: they're not. And your brain? It can literally grow. From the surprising science of how walking three times a week can give you a measurably bigger brain, to why your hearing aid might be the best thing you ever do for your memory, Dr. Fotuhi gives us proof that midlife isn't a decline — it's a new childhood. And this time, you're in charge. Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate): (0:00) Intro/Teaser (5:00) Why Perimenopause Causes Brain Fog (8:00) Estrogen & How Hormones Affect Memory (13:00) Exercise Is the #1 Pillar of Brain Health (16:00) Exercise That Grows Your Brain (21:00) Brain Fog vs. Alzheimer’s (26:00) Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny (30:00) Medications & Hearing Loss (43:00) Beyond IQ: The 30 Forms of Intelligence (50:00) Brain Training & Neuroplasticity (1:01:00) The After-Party with Dr. Stephanie Resources mentioned in this episode: https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep458 We couldn’t do it without our sponsors: QUALIA CREATINE+ - If you want to feel stronger, sharper, and more resilient, Qualia’s Creatine+ is my recommendation.Go to https://qualialife.com/better  and use code BETTER to save up to 50%, plus an additional 15% off.  COZY EARTH  - Cozy Earth helps you feel better by keeping your temperature perfect overnight to facilitate deep restorative sleep. Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code BETTER for up to 20% off. TROSCRIPTIONS - There’s a completely new way to optimize your health. Give it a try at https://troscriptions.com/BETTER or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order. PIQUE LIFE - If you want to redefine your evening ritual and still feel like yourself the next day, you can get 10% off for life. Yes, for life at https://piquelife.com/better YOUNG GOOSE  - More resilient. More hydrated. More responsive. This is skin quality skincare. Go to https://younggoose.com/better and use code BETTER for 10% off your first purchase ****************************P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.