Women and Dementia
3 min read
If you are a woman, you may be shocked to know that you are at far greater risk of getting Alzheimer’s than men. One in five women at age 65 is at risk of developing the disease, and two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are female. Just as alarming is that women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than breast cancer.
So why is dementia so prevalent among women? With a Master of Science in Gerontology, Mehrnaz Gill, MSG, Amazing Place’s Clinical Training Manager, has spent her career studying dementia and developing programs for those and their loved ones in need.
“There is still so much work to be done in understanding why women are so much more likely to develop dementia,” Gill says. “But research is beginning to show us that there are some very specific factors, both biological and social, at play for why this is true.”
Factors Contributing to Women Dementia Diagnosis
Longevity
Age is the greatest risk factor for dementia and women live longer than men.
Genetics
Scientists have found differences in the structural and functional connections of women’s versus men’s brains. These differences may contribute to brain cell damage. Strong genetic risk factors, such as the protein APOE, may be more pronounced in women.
Hormones
Menopause results in rapid decline in estrogen which is thought to be a shield against cognitive decline. According to the National Institute of Health, hormone therapy has been shown to sharpen the mind after menopause and may help protect from further memory decline
Caregiver Stress
More than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women. More specifically, over one-third of those caregivers are daughters. Caregiving negatively impacts stress and career productivity and as caregiving intensifies with the progression of the disease, so do stress levels, including health consequences.
“While this is daunting, knowledge is power and there is a lot that women can do to lower their dementia risk level,” Gill adds. “According to the Alzheimer’s Association, changes in the brain begin 20 years prior to having any symptoms. So, it’s incredibly important to adapt behaviors that can positively impact our health later in life.”
Lowering Your Risk is Possible
Gill points to five evidence-based actions known to lower your risk of cognitive decline.
Reduce Stress
Find time to meditate, pray, breathe. Learn to ask for and accept help. And learn to say no!
Exercise Both Body and Brain
Get moving at least three times/week to increase oxygen levels in the brain with a goal of exercising for at least 10-minute episodes. Learn new things, play mental games, read and socialize to jumpstart the brain.
Protect Your Heart
Your brain uses 20% of your blood oxygen/ sugar, so watch your cholesterol, blood pressure and no smoking, please!
Eat Healthy
Spices, nuts, berries, whole grains and fish rich in Omega-3s are rich in magnesium, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Forgo fats, white sugars and flour.
Sleep
Recharge brain cells with seven to nine hours of sleep nightly.
It’s never too early or late to adopt a lifestyle that will provide benefits as we age, Gill says. Science now tells us that especially for women, this may be the secret to unlocking a long, healthy, and productive life.
For more information on how to schedule a free in-person or virtual Brain Health Matters presentation by an Amazing Place dementia expert contact Pam Berkley at pberkley@amazingplacehouston.org.