Intro

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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