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According to the Alzheimer's Association, almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder impairing memory and other cognitive functions severe enough to interfere with daily life. Although both men and women are susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, research indicates that the disease impacts women differently.
In this article, we’ll explore how Alzheimer’s disease affects women differently than men.
Women have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Of the nearly 7 million people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, almost 4 million are women. Women over 60 are two times more likely to develop the disease over their lives than they are to develop breast cancer.
These striking statistics make it essential to understand the extensive sex-linked differences in the way Alzheimer’s disease affects women vs men.
Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.
Biological factors to know about women and Alzheimer’s disease
Age
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease numbers increase with age. Alzheimer’s disease affects:
- 5.0% of people age 65 to 74
- 13.2% of people age 75 to 84
- 33.4% of people age 85 and older
Because women generally live longer than men, their likelihood of developing the disease is higher. In addition, women appear to live longer than men following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Genetic factors
Genetics also plays a significant role in the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease have the APOE E4 gene variant, a known genetic risk factor for the disease, which appears in women more significantly than men.
Menopause
The hormone estrogen is believed to contribute to brain health, including the ability to block some of the harmful effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The loss of estrogen during menopause may expose women to a vulnerability to the disease.
Social factors of Alzheimer’s disease affecting women
In addition to being more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, women are more likely to care for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is physically and emotionally demanding and time-consuming. Therefore, women are more likely to suffer from chronic stress and emotional strain, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health.
How women can reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Research has shown that people can make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Women can reduce their risk by:
- Managing high blood pressure
- Managing blood sugar
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting intake of processed sugar and saturated fats
- Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Limiting alcohol use
- Staying mentally active by maintaining a social life and brain games like puzzles
Wrap-up
Alzheimer’s disease is a significant health concern, with women being disproportionately affected. Research has shown women face unique differences in the interplay of biological, social, and lifestyle factors. Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are promising treatments, and women can reduce their risk by managing high blood pressure, eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and staying mentally active.
Contact a helpful advisor for more information on Allegro’s Ensemble memory care communities. Download our free “Choosing the Right Community” guide for helpful guidance on picking the right senior living community for your loved one.
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