TMU research examines menopause, memory and Alzheimer’s risk

TORONTO, ON (October 14, 2026) — Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) professor Natasha Rajah is investigating how menopause affects memory and brain function, and whether changes during this transition may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

As principal investigator of the Brain Health At Midlife and Menopause (BHAMM) Study, Rajah leads Canada's only brain imaging study examining how biological sex, spontaneous menopause and dementia risk factors affect memory-related brain function. The study is part of TMU’s Brain Health Equity in Aging and Memory (external link)  (BHEAM) Lab.

Rajah is a professor in TMU’s Department of Psychology and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Sex, Gender and Diversity in Brain Health, Memory and Aging.

“Historically, clinical studies have not adequately accounted for sex-based biological differences,” says Rajah. “As a result, women are disproportionately affected by drug side effects and little is known about how female sex and sex-specific life experiences influence Alzheimer’s disease risk and symptoms.” 

The research aims to create a more inclusive understanding of brain aging across diverse communities and uncover why women are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Research participants from diverse backgrounds are invited to contribute to this research program to ensure data is well represented and sensitive to social and cultural factors.

The research and findings

The BHEAM lab combines multimodal MRI, genetic, multi-omic (blood biomarkers), psychosocial and neuropsychological methods to holistically understand which factors affect midlife brain health and dementia risk during spontaneous menopause.

By examining these factors, the study aims to distinguish memory changes during the menopause transition from potential early markers of Alzheimer's. 

“Our long-term goal is to inform new therapies and policies that promote brain health and memory from midlife onward, helping to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s-related decline and improve quality of life for aging adults,” says Rajah.

The BHAMM study has published four papers examining memory, brain aging and dementia prevention.  Key findings include:

• Using a spatial context framework among midlife women, researchers found age-related decline in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
• Research revealed a link to poor vascular health and poor memory in postmenopause 
• On the positive side, research suggests that bilingual or multilingual language experience may be associated with better cognitive control 

Rajah hopes her research can help us understand how to support women during menopause and identify which behaviours or interventions might be helpful during that transition.

“I really don’t want to scare females. I want people to understand that it’s a major shift and a big transition period,” says Rajah. “I’m very excited about our projects which align with the goals of the BHAMM research program and TMU’s strategic focus on health and wellbeing.”

Research awards and funding

The BHEAM have recently received funding and recognition to advance their research on women’s brain health:

• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Grant-in-Aid Award: Natasha Rajah - The effect of biological sex and menopause status on MRI biomarkers of vascular health and episodic memory at midlife
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Personnel Awards for Women’s Heart & Brain Health Recipients (in Partnership with Brain Canada): 
  • Millie Bhaskara - Memory at Midlife: Understanding the Influences of Vascular Health and Peri-Menopause on Brain Structure and Function
  • Harleen Rai - Menopause and Episodic Memory at Midlife: Pathways Linking Brain Integrity, Inflammation, and Social and Structural Determinants of Health
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada 2026 Personnel Awards for Indigenous Scholars Recipients ( in partnership with Brain Canada): Lisa MacPhatter - Family History, Menopause, and DLPFC Integrity: Early Executive Vulnerability in Midlife Women

About the Brain Health Equity in Aging and Memory Lab 
The Brain Health Equity in Aging and Memory Lab at TMU conducts cognitive neuroscience of memory, aging, and dementia prevention research. The Lab is specifically interested in understanding how biological sex, sociocultural gender, sex-specific experiences (i.e. menopause), and social determinants of health (SDH) interact to affect brain and cognitive health at midlife and older age.

About Toronto Metropolitan University
A world-class research institution and Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education, TMU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs. The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new TMU School of Medicine. It is also home to 11 startup incubators, known as Zones, that support innovation across sectors – from health and life sciences to creative industries and social impact. Established in 1948, TMU is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 265,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca.