Alzheimer’s has become the most common type of dementia in our country, with over 5 million people over the age of 65 living with the disease at any given time. As our average life expectancy levels continue to increase, experts expect more cases to appear. While Alzheimer’s afflicts both men and women, it disproportionately affects females, which has perplexed researchers.

Here are some surprising statistics regarding Alzheimer’s disease and the female population:

Two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer’s disease are women.
17% of women who are in their 60’s will develop dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s
60% of Alzheimer’s caregivers are also women.
20% of female caregivers retired from their careers to take on caregiving responsibilities.

Medical researchers have actively studied how Alzheimer’s disease affects men and women differently. , Established findings provide insight into why women bear an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s as they age.

Women generally live longer than men, putting them at an increased risk for contracting and dying from Alzheimer’s disease.
There is a reported correlation between less education and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Until the mid-20th century, women were less likely to enroll in college or pursue an advanced or professional degree. For reasons not yet discovered, this fact renders them more vulnerable to developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Some studies have reported that women employed wage-earners while young showcased improved cognitive health once entering their 60s.
A few research studies have shown that the APOE gene, the best-known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, may have a more significant association with neurodegeneration in women, most likely resulting from the gene’s interaction with estrogen.

The prognosis is not all bad for senior women. Women can take some proactive precautions to help prevent the disease.

A lack of sleep is often considered a significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. At least 7 hours of sleep is recommended for adult women, as is maintaining a regular bedtime routine. Women should also avoid caffeine and alcohol for several hours before going to sleep.
Several of the primary risk factors associated with the onset of heart disease are also implicated in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. These include smoking, high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure. Women can fight against these risks by establishing a healthy diet, incorporating exercise into their daily routine, and giving up smoking once and for all.
Staying mentally engaged is another way to stave off the onset of Alzheimer’s. Senior citizens should seek stimulating activities to keep busy – such as solving puzzles, learning a new hobby, or accepting invitations to more social activities. The benefits of such actions are tangible – those seniors who maintained an active social life and interacted with friends experienced a 70% decrease in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Both genders have similar concerns about getting sick, becoming a burden, or losing their ability to remember their friends and families. If you or your loved one are afflicted with stress or fear about developing dementia, set up an appointment with your physician. They can help you to seek proactive ways to potentially protect yourself as long as possible. If you have a loved one living with dementia or needs compassionate memory care, we invite you to visit A Banyan Residence in The Villages.