As research on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia continues, much is being learned about possible causes and effective treatments. Each day brings hope that we may get closer to a cure.
For those who will develop the disease, one common characteristic applies to both men and women – the older you are, the higher your risk.
- 4 out of 1,000 people ages 65 – 74 develop Alzheimer’s each year
- 32 out of 1,000 people ages 75 – 84 develop Alzheimer’s each year
- 76 out of 1,000 people ages 85 and older develop Alzheimer’s each year
Source: Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School
But one interesting finding is that the disease affects women differently than men.
Women and Alzheimer’s Disease
It’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In fact, women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop the disease over the rest of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer.
Since age is a major increasing risk factor, a partial explanation may be because women tend to live longer than men. However, it isn’t the sole reason because women are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s even when compared to men of the same age.
Beyond longevity, another possible theory involves the immune system, according to an article from Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School, while noting more research is needed:
- Amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease may be part of the brain’s immune system to fight against infections.
- Women have stronger immune systems than men.
- As part of their stronger immune systems, women may have more amyloid plaques than men, which could place them at a higher risk.
The following are additional differences between men and women that have been discussed as possible contributing factors:
A higher risk of developing depression
Women are at twice the risk of men to develop depression, which may be linked to a higher risk of dementia. Other findings include a smaller hippocampus, which is important for memory formation, in association with depression in women but not observed in men.
Women engage in less exercise
Those who exercise may have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease but typically women exercise less than men. One study observed women who maintained a high fitness level were 88% less likely to develop dementia than those functioning at a medium fitness level.
Women have a higher caregiver burden
Of family members who care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease, 60% are women. They’re also more likely to leave employment to provide this care. Another observation is that spouses who provide care for their partners may be at an even higher risk of dementia than non-caregivers.
The APOE4 gene different effects
The gene, Apolipoprotein E, is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, with APOE4 connected to increased risk. Women with APOE4 are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men with APOE4, are more inclined to perform worse with memory tasks, have greater brain atrophy and lower brain metabolism.
A faster decline after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Women decline more rapidly which may, however, be due to a delayed diagnosis. Generally performing better than men on verbal memory tests, they may initially continue to perform well even if they have cognitive impairment. When they are diagnosed, the disease may have already progressed resulting in a quicker decline than men after a diagnosis.
Source: alzdiscovery.org
Steps older women can take
1. Exercise aerobically
For 30 minutes a day, five days a week, walk briskly, jog, bike, swim or join an aerobics class.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Try a Mediterranean diet, including fish, olive oil, avocados, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains and poultry.
3. Sleep well
Sleep helps with memory function and may reduce your risk of dementia. During the day we make beta amyloid, a protein that clusters to form Alzheimer’s plaques. When we sleep, our brain cells shrink allowing the beta amyloid to be cleared away.
4. Stay active
Not only will you feel better and more engaged, participating in social and cognitively stimulating activities are good for both the body and brain.
Source: Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School
Ingleside’s Senior Living
We hope you found this information on women and Alzheimer’s disease informative. We invite you to join with all of us as we continue to support the efforts for a cure and discovering new knowledge regarding treatments.
If your family is considering whether Memory Care might be the best answer to provide additional attention, specialized programs and activities for your loved one, we hope you will contact us.
We also invite you to visit one of our Ingleside senior living communities if you’re searching for the right place to live your best life. We believe you’ll enjoy all the benefits that we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art Studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
We’re here to answer any questions that you may have and invite you to download our complimentary information – Just the Facts: Your Guide to Memory Care.
For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
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