Do you or someone you love suffer from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease? Have you wondered
why the disease seems to affect men or women differently, appearing that women are afflicted more severely? More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with 2/3 of them being women. Although the disease affects both men and women, there are a few differences in how the two genders are affected.
1. APOE-4 Gene is Key
Apolipoprotein E, known as APOE, is a gene associated with varying risk of Alzheimer’s. In both men and women, being an ApoE4 carrier raised the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease. However, women with this gene are more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, including increased brain atrophy and decreased memory performance.
2. Quicker Decline
In general, women tend to perform well on verbal memory tests, tests that are also used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Because of these positive performances, diagnosis for cognitive decline may be delayed. By
the time women are actually diagnosed with the disease, they already have a more severe affliction and therefore, decline more rapidly than men.
“More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with 2/3 of them being
women. Although the disease affects both men and women, there are a few differences in
how the two genders are affected.”
3. Higher Risk
Statistics show that on average, women live several years longer than men. Because age and gender are the main
risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, it stands to reason that the disease affects more women than men in general.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease affects both men and women, although in different ways. Dementia care, research, and treatment are equally important to improve the lives of these individuals. If you or someone you love suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may need a little more help than you’re able to provide. Avanti Senior Living has the right resources and Memory Care program to help care for those with dementia and give them the environment they need to thrive.
