Blog
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND WOMEN
09.18.17
According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2017 Facts & Figures, in Orange County an estimated 50,896 people have Alzheimer's disease and that is expected to increase to 88,639 people in 2030 -- a 74% increase. Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America, the 5th leading cause of death in California and the 3rd leading cause of death in Orange County in people 65 years and older. It is the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
Another interesting fact about Alzheimer’s disease is that women account for almost two-thirds of Americans with the disease. Women live longer than men making them more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. However, longevity and lower death rates can only partially explain this difference. There is an urgent need to understand how differences in brain structure, disease progression and hormonal and molecular characteristics may contribute to incidence and rates of cognitive decline.
To better understand these gender differences the Alzheimer’s Association convened top experts in the field of biological sex and Alzheimer’s disease to explore these issues in depth. As a direct result of the think tank meetings, the Alzheimer’s Association announced the new Sex and Gender in Alzheimer’s (SAGA) grant funding program, aimed at supporting scientific investigation that addresses the gaps in our understanding of the role biological sex and related genetic, biological, lifestyle and societal factors may play in increasing vulnerability for Alzheimer’s.
THE RISK IS REAL FOR WOMEN.
A woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 65 is 1 in 6. As real a concern as breast cancer is to women’s health, women in their 60s are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they are to develop breast cancer. Not only are women more likely to have Alzheimer’s, they are also more likely to be caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s.
There are lifestyle habits that you can adopt to maintain or potentially improve your health as you age. These habits, spanning four categories—physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity and social engagement—can help keep your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Research has suggested that combining good nutrition with mental, social and physical activities may have a greater benefit in maintaining or improving brain health than any single activity.
INSPIRE HOPE. IGNITE CHANGE. MAKE AN IMPACT.
The Alzheimer’s Association Women’s Initiative celebrates the power and influence of women. They believe women have the passion and the strength to make real change. By using women’s collective brainpower and voices, we can create awareness of the impact Alzheimer’s has on our health, our families and our nation.
If you would like to learn more about the research the Alzheimer’s Association is funding or to join the Alzheimer’s Association Women’s Initiative, please contact Kenzie Durham, Alzheimer’s Association at 949.771.0304 or at kgdurham@alz.org.
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