International Women’s Day and Brain Health
By: Michelle Yang
In honor of International Women’s Day this month, we will be highlighting brain wellness in the context of women’s health!
Note: The terms “women” and “men” are used to describe biological sex differences in this blog. We recognize that there are gender differences in brain health, however, the majority of current research is based around biological sex differences.
The nervous system is complex and can be affected by many different factors, including sex. Women experience unique changes to their neurological health, such as through sex hormone fluctuations throughout the lifespan. Despite this, there are still limited studies looking at sex differences in neurological disease.
Here are some things that are currently understood about how neurological disease can affect women differently:
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a disease where the body attacks the nervous system, affects more women than men. In addition to this, MS symptoms can diminish during pregnancy followed by a spike in symptoms after birth.
Migraines
Migraines, a type of headache, are also more common in women than men. A contributing factor is fluctuations in levels of hormones in the body, such as estrogen.
Stroke
Did you know that symptoms of stroke can be different in women? Apart from traditional symptoms such as slurred speech, facial droop, arm weakness, women can experience nausea and vomiting, hiccups and shortness of breath.
Epilepsy
In one type of seizure disorder called non-acquired focal epilepsy, it has been found that women tend to have more visual and autonomic symptoms (autonomic meaning automatic body processes like heart rate, breathing and digestion).
With this in mind, it is important to incorporate habits that support neurological health!
Tips on how to improve brain health:
Stay physically active
Physical activity has numerous health benefits including for your brain! In one experimental study, it was found that doing yoga can improve memory in elderly women.
Eat Well
Maintaining a healthy diet can keep your brain in tip top shape. Incorporate foods such as green, leafy vegetables, fish, nuts and berries.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep at least 8 hours a day to boost your memory and remove brain toxins.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is the practice of directing your attention to the present moment. Incorporating a mindfulness routine into your everyday life can benefit brain processing and attention.
Other Resources:
Nutrients for Female Brain Health across the Lifespan - https://foodforthebrain.org/female-brain-health-across-thelifespan/#:~:text=Women%20should%20ensure%20they
Women’s Meditation Network - https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/
7 Exercises to Help Preserve Brain Health - https://womensbrainhealth.org/think-tank/great-minds-think-alike/7-exercises-to-help-preserve-brain-health
How Neurological Diseases Differ in Women - https://wewillcure.com/insights/womens-health/how-neurological-diseases-differ-in-women
References:
Aggarwal, N. T., & Mielke, M. M. (2023). Sex Differences in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurologic Clinics, 41(2), 343–358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncl.2023.01.001
Baker, S. (2023, December 27). Brain health is the latest wellness measure for women. Working On The Body. https://workingonthebody.com/brain-health-is-the-latest-wellness-measure-for-women/
Budson, A. (2021, May 13). Can mindfulness change your brain? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-mindfulness-change-your-brain-202105132455
Carlson, C., Dugan, P., Kirsch, H. E., & Friedman, D. (2014). Sex Differences in Seizure Types and Symptoms. Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B, 0, 103–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.09.051
Eugene, A. R., & Masiak, J. (2015). The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Science, 3(1), 35–40. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651462/
Headaches and Women: What Do Hormones Have to Do With It? (2024, June 20). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/headaches-and-women-what-do-hormones-have-to-do-with-it
Mowry, E., & Calabresi, P. A. (2023, February 9). Multiple Sclerosis: Why Are Women More at Risk? Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms/multiple-sclerosis-why-are-women-more-at-risk
Neurology and Women’s Health. (n.d.). Duke University School of Medicine Department of Neurology. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://neurology.duke.edu/education/neurology-and-womens-health
Scaccia, A. (2024, May 23). How to Identify Symptoms of Stroke in Women. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/symptoms-of-stroke-in-women
Vaezi, A. r, Tafti, A. D., Goodari, S. B., & Bidaki, R. (2020). Effect of yoga on memory in elderly women. Elderly Health Journal. https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v6i1.3409