Meno-HealthCast: The New Frontier in Midlife Brain Health & How Advanced Imaging is Changing Menopause Care

Hosted By Marilyn Abrahamson  / Feature transcribed and written by: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D

Brain fog, memory glitches, and cognitive slowdown — for many women, menopause marks a turning point in brain health. Now, cutting-edge imaging is offering a clearer view into the brain’s wellbeing and early warning signs of disease.

Welcome to MenoTalks, the podcast where we explore science, stories, and strategies to help women thrive through menopause and beyond. I’m Marilyn Abrahamson, a speech-language pathologist turned brain health coach, passionate about helping women stay sharp and mentally strong at every stage of life. In this issue, we’re spotlighting a conversation with Dr. Robert Bard, a world-renowned radiologist and pioneer in advanced 3D Doppler ultrasound imaging. Together, we explore how radiology is transforming brain health care for women in midlife and opening doors to powerful, non-invasive diagnostics.

In a growing effort to address the often-overlooked dimensions of menopause, MenoTalks has emerged as a trusted podcast platform dedicated to exploring the complex experiences, health challenges, and solutions associated with the menopausal journey. Hosted by Marilyn Abrahamson, a seasoned health advocate and communications expert in women's health, the show consistently provides a compassionate, evidence-based, and forward-thinking dialogue with medical professionals and wellness specialists.

Marilyn Abrahamson’s mission with MenoTalks is clear: to shine a light on the multifaceted impacts of menopause — not only the well-known hormonal symptoms but also the lesser-discussed neurological and cognitive issues that can dramatically affect quality of life. Through meaningful interviews, she engages thought leaders to help demystify these concerns and introduce listeners to advanced care options.

In one particularly insightful episode, Marilyn welcomes Dr. Robert Bard, a clinical imaging specialist renowned for his pioneering work in diagnostic imaging and image-guided therapeutics. The discussion centers on menopause-related neurological disorders and cognitive symptoms, offering a deep dive into how advancing technologies are improving diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

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Why Menopause Is a Critical Time for Brain Health

Clinical Review: Dr. Robert Bard on Imaging Innovations and Menopausal Cognitive Health Understanding Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms in Menopause.

Dr. Bard opened his discussion by acknowledging the often-dismissed neurological consequences of menopause. Beyond hot flashes and mood swings, he emphasized, many women experience cognitive fog, memory lapses, dizziness, headaches, and neuropathic discomfort — symptoms tied to hormonal fluctuations impacting the nervous system.

He pointed out that estrogen receptors are widely distributed throughout the brain, particularly in areas responsible for memory, mood regulation, and coordination. As estrogen declines, these receptors lose their stabilizing influence, making women vulnerable to neurovascular changes and inflammatory responses that can manifest in both subtle and overt cognitive disturbances.

For decades, menopause was largely discussed in terms of hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. But modern research is uncovering how the hormonal shifts of menopause quietly reshape the brain — often increasing the risk for cognitive decline, memory lapses, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

“There’s a growing awareness of how menopause affects brain aging,” says Dr. Bard. “And now we have tools that can detect circulatory and functional changes in the brain and body in real time.”

At the core of this new frontier is advanced ultrasound imaging — a non-invasive, highly detailed view into blood flow, vascular integrity, and tissue health in areas that matter most to cognitive function.

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Blood Flow: The Lifeline of a Healthy Brain

If you’ve ever wondered why experts say what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, it comes down to one thing: blood flow. The brain relies on a rich, steady blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing toxins and waste.

“The easiest way to assess blood flow in the brain is by examining the optic nerve,” explains Dr. Bard. “It’s the window into the brain, showing us both the nerves and vascular health within the retina.” Thanks to advancements in high-resolution Doppler ultrasound, it’s now possible to measure blood flow through the tiny arteries and veins of the eye — a key indicator of cerebral health.

When circulation falters, cognitive symptoms like brain fog, poor concentration, and forgetfulness can follow. And while these changes are common during menopause, they shouldn’t be dismissed as routine.

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A Game-Changing Test: Carotid Artery Imaging

One of the most effective and accessible tests for predicting stroke and dementia risk is carotid artery imaging. Using a simple ultrasound probe, physicians can measure the thickness of the carotid artery walls — a test known as Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT).

“If the wall thickness exceeds one millimeter, your risk of stroke or severe cardiovascular disease can jump 80 to 100 percent,” says Dr. Bard. The beauty of this test? It’s fast, painless, and patients can see their results in real time. “It’s visual proof of what’s happening inside your body,” he adds.

Perhaps most importantly, these findings are actionable. Dr. Bard shared his own personal experience discovering arterial plaque years ago — and successfully reversing it through early intervention.

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Doppler Ultrasound: Beyond the Heart

While most people associate ultrasounds with pregnancy or heart health, today’s Doppler ultrasound technology can assess tiny vessels in the retina, thyroid, and even the microcirculation of the skin. By evaluating blood flow patterns, radiologists can identify early warning signs of disease and inflammation before symptoms arise.

“An inflamed thyroid shows excessive blood flow, while a hypothyroid gland has reduced flow,” explains Dr. Bard. These insights help detect conditions like autoimmune thyroid disease — which affects millions of midlife women — without the need for invasive procedures.

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The Environmental Factor: Toxins and Brain Health

Modern life presents new, often overlooked threats to brain health. Environmental toxins from air pollution, plastics, fires, and occupational exposures can quietly impair brain function over time.

“Today’s world is different,” warns Dr. Bard. “We have a toxic environment, and it affects the circulatory system and brain health more than people realize.” He emphasizes the importance of discussing environmental exposures, foreign travel, and lifestyle risks during health evaluations.

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The Future of Imaging for Women’s Brain Health

So, what’s next? Dr. Bard believes the future is already here — in the form of emerging technologies like elastography, which measures tissue stiffness to detect inflammation and scarring in organs like the thyroid, heart, and skin.

These innovations are already being used in Europe and Asia and are making their way into U.S. clinical practice. The result? More precise, accessible, and preventive care for women navigating midlife health changes.

“We’re moving beyond reactive medicine,” says Dr. Bard. “Advanced imaging gives us a chance to catch and correct problems before they become disease.”

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Key Takeaways for Women at Midlife

If you’re in or approaching menopause, here’s what to remember:

• Don’t ignore brain fog. It can signal changes in blood flow and brain health worth investigating.

• Ask about carotid artery imaging. It’s quick, non-invasive, and can reveal hidden stroke and dementia risks.

• Support your cardiovascular health. Protecting your heart means protecting your brain.

• Consider environmental and travel exposures. Toxins and infections can influence cognitive function.

• Stay proactive with thyroid checks. Especially if you experience fatigue, mood shifts, or unexplained weight changes.

For more resources and to learn about the diagnostic technologies discussed, visit barddiagnostics.com, where a library of educational videos and articles awaits.

Marilyn Abrahamson’s commitment to opening these important conversations ensures that menopause-related cognitive health remains an evolving priority in women’s care. As Dr. Bard’s work demonstrates, technological advancements are making it increasingly possible to identify, monitor, and treat neurological complications of menopause with a level of precision that was previously unavailable — a hopeful frontier for menopausal health.

ABOUT THE HOST

MARILYN ABRAHAMSON, MA, CCC-SLP : As a Brain Health Education Specialist at Ceresti Health, Marilyn offers initiatives that supports education and empowerment of family caregivers. She also writes for and edits the Ceresti’s monthly newsletter and produces all brain health education and brain-health coaching programs for caregivers.  Marilyn's prior work is as a NJ Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 1987 and is an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach.