All isn’t equal between the sexes when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term studies have shown there’s a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s among women. The fact is that the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are female, and no one knows for sure why. Scientists are trying to unlock the mystery of why women are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s than their male counterparts.
Science of Alzheimer’s
Scientists around the world are working hard to find the answers to the Alzheimer’s dilemma. They do know that cognitive abilities in women who are showing signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which involves memory and thinking skills, decrease twice as quickly as those in men with MCI. Most people with MCI continue to live independently for many years, but there’s a risk of developing Alzheimer’s as cognitive abilities continue to deteriorate.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Amyloid Plaques
Amyloid plaques in the brain have long been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques are formed when clumps of protein fragments called beta amyloids, which are toxic to brain neurons, build up and accumulate outside nerve cells within the brain. A recent study found that women have more beta amyloids in their brains than men of the same age with similar cognitive levels.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional homecare. Edmonton families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Biological Differences
There are significant biological differences in the structures of men’s and women’s brains and bodies, which may be an indicator of why women are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Women also go through many different types of hormonal changes as they age. Biological differences are currently being studied as a reason for the wide gender gap when it comes to Alzheimer’s. Women are losing the battle to Alzheimer’s at a faster rate than men, and while progress is being made, much is left to be done in the race to find a cure.
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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (780) 490-7337.