Women and Alzheimer’s:
What Do We Know?
The Gender Gap
Women are three times more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease. One reason is that women are more likely to live longer. The risk for the disease rises significantly with age — nearly half of those age 85 and older develop it.However, experts believe other factors may also play a role. Genetics is one. Women with a family history of Alzheimer’s have a higher chance of developing the disease. Past brain injury from stroke or head injury also can put a woman at risk.
Finally, the decline in estrogen after menopause may help explain the higher rates among women. Studies show that estrogen helps promote memory and brain function.
Mood Changes May Signal Alzheimer’s
One study found that people displayed a lack of motivation three years before they showed the mental decline associated with Alzheimer’s. They also showed mood changes and a lack of energy.Gradual memory loss is another early symptom. Since everyone forgets things from time to time, it can be difficult to tell whether or not it is serious. The difference lies in the severity. For example, forgetting where you parked the car at the mall is pretty common. But forgetting that you drove to the mall is more serious.
Other warning signs include:
- Having trouble completing simple tasks
- Forgetting simple words or phrases
- Getting lost or disoriented
- Difficulty doing simple math problems
Exercise May Offer Protection
In one study, regular exercisers were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than inactive adults.Staying active mentally also may postpone the disease. Intellectual activities increase the links between brain cells.
Some medications also may delay or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Older healthy adults who regularly took ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory drugs were less likely to suffer mental decline than those who did not.
