Brain Health Scotland

19/03/2026

Brain fog. Forgetting a word mid-sentence. Losing your train of thought.

If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, these experiences are common and often linked to hormonal changes, stress or poor sleep.

It can feel worrying, but remember: memory loss is rarely the first symptom of dementia. For many women, brain fog is temporary and improves as the underlying cause is addressed.

If you’re concerned, notice a sudden change, or symptoms are getting worse, speak to your GP.

If you or a loved one are worried about dementia, you can call the Alzheimer Scotland Helpline on 0808 808 3000 for support and advice.

For practical tips on protecting your brain at every stage of life, explore the Women’s Brain Health Guide on the Brain Health Scotland website: https://pulse.ly/vnyz2jhxpp

18/03/2026

Women’s brain health is shaped by hormones, lifestyle, stress and the roles they take on 🧠

But one thing is true at every stage: it’s never too early or too late to look after your brain.

Want to learn how to protect your brain throughout life?

Read the Women’s Brain Health Guide from Brain Health Scotland at brainhealth.scot/women.

17/03/2026

🧠 Are men’s and women’s brains really different?

You’ve probably heard claims about “male” and “female” brains, but science tells a more nuanced story:

🧩 Bigger doesn’t mean smarter. Men’s brains are slightly larger on average, mostly due to body size, but intelligence is equal across s*xes.

🔗 Brains are built a little differently. Women tend to have more grey matter (processing), men a bit more white matter (connections), but the differences are small and highly overlapping.

🧬 Most brains are a mosaic. We all have a mix of features, far more variation within each s*x than between s*xes.

🌱 Life shapes the brain too. Experiences, learning, social connections, and opportunities all help shape brain pathways over time.

💡 Women’s brain health matters. Life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause affect women’s brains, and they represent nearly two-thirds of people with dementia.

Brains aren’t strictly “male” or “female”; they are complex, adaptable and shaped by both biology and life.

It's never too early or too late to start looking after your brain.

Find out more and download our new women's brain health guide at brainhealth.scot/women

16/03/2026

Women make up nearly two thirds of people with dementia. While living longer plays a part, it is only one piece of the puzzle.

Biology, hormones, heart health, life experiences and daily habits can all shape brain health over time.

The good news? There is so much we can do to protect our brain health:

👥 Staying socially connected.
🧠 Keeping our minds active by learning new skills.
🫀 Looking after our physical health.
💤 Making time for rest and enjoyment.

Small, consistent habits really do add up. They can help protect brain health and reduce the risk of dementia later in life.

It is never too early or too late to start looking after your brain.

Find out more and download our new women's brain health guide at brainhealth.scot/women

13/03/2026

This we want to highlight how important sleep is for keeping your brain healthy. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support your brain is by prioritising quality sleep.

During sleep, your brain is incredibly active. It works to restore and repair itself, clear out toxins, and boost your thinking and memory.

No matter your age, good sleep is essential. From childhood through adulthood and into later years, getting the right amount of quality sleep is key to your brain health and overall wellbeing.

How many hours of sleep do you usually get? Comment below 😴👇

08/03/2026

Women make up two-thirds of people living with dementia.
But when it comes to research, women are still underrepresented.

This International Women's Day, we’re breaking down myths and sharing the truths about dementia and women.

The more women who take part in research, the deeper we can understand brain health and dementia.

👉 Curious about how to protect your own brain health? Head to Brain Health Scotland’s website at https://pulse.ly/byrz0ksqg2 to find out more.

22/01/2026

Clean Air Night takes place on 22 January 2026 and raises awareness of how air pollution affects our health, including our brains. Tiny particles in the air can impact our lungs and brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia over time. Learning more about air quality is a step toward healthier communities.

Air pollution can affect both your lungs and your brain. Tiny particles from sources like wood fires and stoves can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Choosing cleaner heating options at home helps reduce pollution and protect your health.

Even small choices make a difference. Walking or cycling short journeys, keeping rooms well ventilated, and reducing indoor wood burning can all improve air quality.

To find out more about Clean Air Night, visit 👉https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-night

For more on brain health, including tips to support cognitive function, visit 👉 https://www.brainhealth.scot/

15/07/2025

Come work with us!

We’re on the lookout for a passionate and creative Community Engagement Officer to join us on the Big Brain Tour — an exciting new programme bringing brain health to communities across Scotland.

You’ll help lead events that spark curiosity and conversation about brain health, all with the help of our showstopping centrepiece: a giant inflatable brain. If you love working with people, organising engaging experiences, and making science accessible, this could be the role for you.

👉 Apply now:

View details and apply for this events role in Edinburgh with Alzheimer Scotland on myjobscotland