Alzheimer’s Disease: Why More Women than Men?

Alzheimer’s Disease: Why More Women than Men?

Recently there has been new information released in regards to the people being affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Of the current 5 million people living with the disease about 2/3 of them are women. Recent news reports have mainly focused on the new information presented which states that women in their 60’s are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s and twice more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than breast cancer. For a woman this news can be very startling considering the fact that they have a 1 in 6 chance of developing the disease. More alarming is the fact that women currently make up the majority of caregivers for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which in turn results in greater professional and personal losses for them as well. The situation does not seem to have a hopeful future as the amount of people excepted to develop Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple to 16 million by the year 2050.

It is obvious that women are at the epicenter of the disease and that research and development for medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease are needed now more than ever. As caregivers women are subjected to more hardships and sacrifices then men are, which increases the probability of them burning themselves out and developing health issues of their own. A women’s role as a caregiver has been known since the beginning of time, but who will care for her when she is no longer able to do it? Women now are being confronted by these harsh realities and the truth of the matter is worrying about Alzheimer’s is now another reality check for them.

The truth of the matter is that even if the women herself does not develop Alzheimer’s she likely will still care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disrupts the life of the caregiver both emotionally and economically. 3 out of 5 caregivers of a person with Alzheimer’s are women whom often times have to give up their careers to tend to their loved one, but the out-of-pocket expenses are estimated at $36 billion. Alzheimer’s carries a huge burden for the affected families and the situation can be extremely stressful. As Alzheimer’s progresses or worsens the situation for caregivers becomes worse as their loved ones now require more care.

The main questions remains the same though… why are more women affected?

Although no studies have been preformed  and the news is fairly recent some stipulate that it is more common in women due to the fact that they live longer than men on average. This point has been refuted partly because Alzheimer’s develops over decades, and as we know women generally do not live decades longer than men. Some researchers believe it is due to an energy shift that occurs in the brain of women during reproductive changes in their body such as menopause. “Over time, the reduction in the ability to generate sufficient energy for the brain leads to, ultimately, an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” states Robert Diaz Brenton (full article). Their trials have not found that estrogen therapy reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s, but as he stated timing for therapy and treatment is important. Others associate the prominence in women with the fact that women are more likely to be the caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s and thus overwork their bodies and minds which in turn can make them more susceptible. This point has not been put through scientific trials and there is no validity to it, yet people assume it to be true.

The only way to get answers to these questions is to continue research into this deadly disease. If more time and money can be spent on research maybe the future of Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be so scary. At this point planning and preparing is the only thing one can do, but even that can be difficult if the onset is sudden and since early detection can be difficult. The situation does not have to be so gloomy since there are resources available to help the diagnosed, caregiver and family tread through the difficult times.

How Can Oxnard Family Circle Help?

At Oxnard Family Circle ADHC we have a specialized memory care unit that is under close supervision to help those with severe cognitive impairments perform daily tasks while providing them with activities that stimulate their minds. We provide many different memory activities that help boost memory skills, which is particularly beneficial for those in the early stages of dementia. Assistants are available to help with bathing, toileting, and feeding at all times. Oxnard Family Circle ADHC is the only Adult Day Program in Ventura County that has a memory care unit, and this unit is especially important for senior care and caregiver respite as the rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s in our elderly population is rapidly increasing over time.

Caregivers can relax knowing that their loved one is being cared for while at the center. We provide transportation to and from our facility, two hot nutritious meals, social stimulation, skilled nursing, medication management and much more. We also offer additional respite care every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, so that caregivers can have additional time to perform needed tasks. Oxnard Family Circle wants to assist in the caring of your loved one, so that your family can avoid the effects caregiver burnout, which can cause a greater toll on the family. Think of yourself and your loved one and take advantage of the help available.

We understand that senior care and caregiving can be expensive, but we are an affordable alternative for senior care and caregiver respite offering our services as low as $79 per day. At Oxnard Family Circle ADHC our services are covered by Medi-Cal, Department of Veterans Affairs, Tri-Counties Regional, Private Pay and Long Term Care Insurances. Schedule your tour today.