Which Gender Gets Alzheimer’s More Often?

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Do Women or Men Have a Greater Chance of Getting Alzheimer's in Edmonton, AB

Women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, a progressive disorder that causes memory impairment and leads to poor reasoning. As a result, they may have difficulty carrying out daily tasks and rely on family caregivers for assistance. Take a look at some of the reasons women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and what can be done to prevent and treat the disease.

Brain Atrophy

The rate at which brain cells die is generally faster among senior women. When neurons are injured or die off, various areas of the brain begin to shrink, and connections break down. Too much cell loss can increase the odds of Alzheimer’s. In some cases, the abnormal buildup of plaques destroys a significant amount of brain cells and can cause fatal damage.

Age

Women typically live longer than men, which increases their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Aging is a process that negatively impacts the brain by harming neurons, which contributes to Alzheimer’s. Biological factors often help women maintain healthier and longer telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes), and females generally outlive males by six or more years because of their telomeric length.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Edmonton families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Impact

The impact Alzheimer’s disease has on men and women varies, affecting their mental, emotional, and physical health differently. One of the reasons is the apolipoprotein (APOE) gene. There are three different types of APOE, but APOE4 is commonly linked to Alzheimer’s. Women who have this type are more likely than senior men to experience mild cognitive impairment. The odds of poor memory and lower metabolism levels are also higher for females. There’s no guarantee seniors with this gene will develop Alzheimer’s, but it would be best if your loved one gets tested early to find out if he or she has the APOE gene so preventive measures can be taken.

Prevention

The good news is seniors can reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s by living a healthy lifestyle. For example, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night allows the brain to remove dangerous toxins and lowers the risk of amyloid plaque buildup. Your loved one should also manage his or her weight and stress levels to prevent obesity and depression, which are two problems that could lead to Alzheimer’s. Social engagement can also enhance cognitive health in the senior years.

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust home care service experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Living with Alzheimer’s

If your loved one has developed this disease, there are steps he or she can take to slow its progression. For instance, eating a healthy diet, participating in stimulating activities, exercising, and staying socially active can boost brain function and promote independence. Your loved one should also visit the doctor regularly and take prescriptions correctly. Developing a strong support system at home is another way to strengthen your loved one’s health and alleviate some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. 

If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Edmonton seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional in-home Alzheimer’s care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.

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