Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, but studies have shown that women are disproportionately impacted. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease in women, women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men, even when factors like age are controlled. This phenomenon has been the subject of intense research, and several reasons have emerged as to why women are more susceptible to this devastating condition.
The National Institute of Health estimates about 2/3 of Alzheimer’s diagnosed cases are women. Women account for about 4.2 million of the estimated 6.9 million people with Alzheimer’s disease who are 65 or older, while men account for about 2.7 million.
Reasons Women Are More Susceptible to Alzheimer’s
Hormonal Differences
One of the most prominent theories is the role of estrogen. Estrogen is believed to have protective effects on the brain, particularly in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As women age and go through menopause, their estrogen levels significantly drop, which may contribute to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The decline in estrogen has been linked to changes in brain function, leading to an accelerated decline in memory and cognitive abilities.
Longer Life Expectancy
Women generally live longer than men. Since Alzheimer’s is primarily an age-related disease, the longer life expectancy could explain part of the gender disparity. More women are living to the ages when Alzheimer’s is most likely to develop, such as in their 80s and 90s. This is one reason why Alzheimer’s disease in women is more prominent.
Genetic Factors
There is also evidence to suggest that women may be genetically more predisposed to Alzheimer’s than men. Research indicates that the gene most strongly associated with Alzheimer’s, the APOE-ε4 gene, has a stronger effect in women than in men. Women with this gene are more likely to experience cognitive decline compared to their male counterparts.
Cognitive Decline and Brain Differences
Women’s brains may respond differently to the disease due to structural differences. Studies show that women’s brains typically have a greater volume of gray matter, which is linked to higher cognitive function. But they also experience greater cognitive decline as Alzheimer’s progresses. This means that women might appear to show signs of Alzheimer’s earlier than men.
Home Care for Alzheimer’s Disease
Many families find themselves seeking homecare services for loved ones who are diagnosed with the disease. At Venture Forthe, we understand the challenges of providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s. We offer tailored in-home care services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. With personalized care, our team provides support and guidance for both the person living with Alzheimer’s and their family caregivers. This ensures a better quality of life and dignity throughout the caregiving journey.
If you or someone you love is dealing with Alzheimer’s, don’t hesitate to reach out to Venture Forthe for compassionate care. Together, we can help manage the effects of this disease and provide the necessary support every step of the way.
Contact Venture Forthe today to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care services.