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.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 11.04.25 – Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays
- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
- 11.02.25 – North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond
- 10.30.25 – An Evening with John O’Hurley at The Lido
- 10.28.25 – Día de los Muertos Rooftop Brunch at Top of the V
- 10.27.25 – Sip & Shuck Returns to Laguna Beach Nov. 2 to Benefit CASA
- 10.26.25 – A Crystal Cove Takes Mimosa Brunch to the Next Level
- 10.26.25 – Rose Bakery Café Opens in Orange
- 10.21.25 – Last Chance to Dine at 608 Dahlia Before Oct. 26
- 10.20.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Announces Fall and Holiday Season Lineup
- 10.20.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival 2025: ‘Blue Moon’ Shines on Opening Night
- 10.19.25 – Wahoo’s Marks 38 Years with Free Community Celebration in Costa Mesa
More Daily Doses
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.12.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
- 10.15.25 – Tales of Wonder and Imagination: Alexander Shelley Leads Pacific Symphony in ‘Scheherazade’
- 10.14.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 10.13.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 10.08.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Honors
- 10.05.25 – Fashion Meets Film: StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island October 15–19
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
