Wesley Lefferts, assistant professor of kinesiology and health at Iowa State University, serves as the principal investigator of the BRAVA (BRAin & VAscular health across menopause) study, which investigates changes in brain and vascular health across pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal stages. Supported by grants from the American Heart Association and the National Institute on Aging, the research focuses on understanding how menopause affects brain blood flow, cardiovascular function, and overall cognitive health.

Lefferts noted that increasing attention from organizations such as the American Heart Association and the NIH highlights growing efforts to better understand health outcomes during the menopause transition. He emphasized that this is an emerging and important area of research that could lead to significant advances in women’s health.

Menopause, defined as the permanent end of menstrual cycles, is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties. It is also associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and changes in bone density and physical function.

Lefferts’ earlier research across the aging population revealed that women’s brain arteries may be more vulnerable to blood flow patterns that could affect brain health. Further analysis showed that around the average age of menopause, approximately 50 years, women experience noticeable changes in brain blood flow dynamics, suggesting possible vascular shifts during this transition.

He highlighted that perimenopause remains a particularly under-researched stage despite its importance, as it represents the transition from pre- to post-menopausal states and shows significant variability in symptoms and health effects.

The BRAVA study aims to recruit around 370 participants who will complete health assessments, questionnaires, hormone tracking, and cognitive evaluations. Participants will also use wearable devices to monitor sleep and physical activity, while researchers assess cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function along with lifestyle factors and medications.

Although current funding supports only a cross-sectional analysis, Lefferts hopes to secure additional resources to extend the study longitudinally, allowing researchers to track participants over time and better understand how behavioral and medical factors may influence brain aging during menopause.

Source: https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/iowa-state-university-researcher-track-how-menopause-stages-affect-brain