Is it Alzheimer's or Perimenopause? 5 Ways to Protect Your Midlife Brain with Dr. Majid Fotuhi

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

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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.

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