A woman's menopause stage can affect cognitive performance, and declines in memory may persist in the post-menopause period, a new study suggests. The study suggests, if you're a bit more forgetful or having more difficulty processing complex concepts than in the past, the problem may be your menopause stage. A new study claims that the menopause stage is a key determinant of cognition and, contrary to previous studies, shows that certain cognitive declines may continue into the post-menopause period. Study results are published online in Menopause the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).