Neurologist Proposed Ten-Year Memory Benchmark

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl suggested women evaluate current cognitive function against their state from a decade ago.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of an hourglass with a brain-shaped bulb, representing long-term cognitive self-assessment. — Neurologist Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl has proposed a ten-year memory benchmark to help women distinguish between standard cognitive aging and early signs of dementia. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust your own observations of memory changes more than standard medical memory tests?

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl has proposed using a ten-year memory benchmark to help women better assess potential cognitive decline. This comparison aims to distinguish between standard aging and early symptoms of dementia.

Why it matters

Standard memory tests frequently fail to capture subjective cognitive decline, leaving many patients without early interventions. Comparing current function to the recent past helps determine if memory issues stem from hormonal shifts like menopause or more serious progressive conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in nine adults experience subjective cognitive decline. Less than half of these individuals currently discuss their cognitive concerns with a medical professional.

The players

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl

She is a professor of neurology at UCLA and a co-founder of Cleopatra RX.

The details

At the Livelong Women's Health Summit, Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl advised that women measure current memory lapses against their performance from ten years ago to identify trends. While menopause may cause temporary brain fog, early dementia is characterized by persistent, progressive memory loss that interferes with essential daily tasks.

September 25, 2026: Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl spoke at the Livelong Women's Health Summit in New York City.

The Big Picture

The proposed ten-year benchmark extends the diagnostic framework established by the Mayo Clinic criteria to better differentiate hormonal fluctuations from progressive neurological decline.

Patients who suspect cognitive changes are encouraged to seek professional evaluations, including brain MRIs or vascular screenings, to rule out underlying medical issues. This proactive approach can help distinguish between temporary hormonal effects and conditions requiring long-term care.

The takeaway

Using a clear, decade-long timeframe provides a more personal baseline for tracking changes in brain health. Women should document specific lapses and discuss them with a neurologist to ensure any potential decline is addressed early.