Did You Know More Women Than Men Are Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Among Americans, age 71 and older, 16% of women have Alzheimer’s or dementia compared with 11% of men, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.

The differences in men and women in regard to Alzheimer’s has caught the attention of researchers and, according to an article at Great Care, the Alzheimer’s Association is awarding research grants providing $2.2 million to nine projects to study Alzheimer’s in women.

We already know that women experience heart disease and heart attacks differently than men and now, it appears that Alzheimer’s affects women differently as well. Immediately I wonder if the fact that women have a longer life expectancy has any impact, and also if the fact that women are more likely to seek medical attention sooner than men could be part of the diagnosis gap between the genders.

It will be interest to see what the studies uncover. Women, in my experience, are more readily willing to adapt and make lifestyle changes that would decrease their risk, if factors can be identified. I am hoping that the research is able to pinpoint some of the risk factors.

The article does not provide the timelines for any of the research studies being funded and we all know it takes time.

In the meantime, women would be well-advised to educate themselves about Alzheimer’s and dementia to watch for any signs. You can learn more at the Alzheimer’s Association.

A daily check-in call could be the lifeline, the joy you give someone that makes the biggest difference in their perception of what old age is like.

Contact me at 317-480-1038 today. Let’s make a difference together.

I’m Diana Beam, Founder of Keeping in Touch Solutions. It is my heartfelt desire for every person to live a happy and healthy life in the place they call home, no matter what their age. You can’t put a price on peace of mind for your parents and yourself. It’s priceless . . . and significant.

For that reason, the goal of every Keeping In Touch Solutions program is to provide a caring connection and service that both the elderly and their caregivers can rely on to make living that good life easier.

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