Patsy Kensit feared menopause memory loss was dementia

Patsy Kensit feared she was suffering from dementia when she experienced memory loss as a symptom of the menopause.

The 54-year-old TV star entered the menopause cycle at the age of 45 after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy and woke up in hospital with severe brain fog which left her unable to recall simple conversations.

She said: "I woke up in intensive care and I didn't know what I was doing, why I was there. I was in full-on menopause."

The former 'Emmerdale' actress went on to insist she has always had a good memory so she struggled to understand why she had suddenly become so forgetful.

Speaking on the 'Postcards From Midlife' podcast: "I have always prided myself on having a great memory because I've learned scripts my whole life - it's like a muscle. I couldn't remember a conversation, just a brain fog ... I thought I had dementia. I went to see a therapist and got the HRT patch. It was not great."

She has since been vocal about her experiences with menopause in a bid to help other women going through similar situations.

Patsy recently admitted she hopes the next generation of women will be more prepared for the menopause when it comes, saying: "My commitment is to bridge the divide between pre and postmenopausal women, who historically have felt as if we have nothing in common.

"As a younger woman, I had no idea what was coming, but now I’m proud to be sharing information to educate and inform women of all ages about how to manage this transition without fear or prejudice."

She added: "If I have any advice, this is it: be honest about what you’re going through. Half of all humans will face the menopause, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, and the more we give one another understanding and honesty, the more we’ll all benefit."