Women and Alzheimer's Disease: What You Need to Know

Though age is the single biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, women are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than men. This stark disparity raises important questions about why this is the case---is it purely biological, or are there other contributing factors? In this blog post, we'll explore why Alzheimer's affects more women than men, and uncover some interesting answers from integrative medicine.

Learn more about our approach to Alzheimer’s Disease.

The Alzheimer's Gender Gap

Nearly two-thirds of the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's are women. The most obvious explanation for this alarming disparity is that women generally live longer than men, increasing their risk of developing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. However, longevity alone doesn't fully explain this gender gap.

It's also worth noting that the incidence of non-Alzheimer's dementia is not significantly higher in women, suggesting a unique interaction between Alzheimer's disease and gender (1).

Why Alzheimer's May Affect More Women Than Men

Hormones

Research has shown that hormonal changes, particularly those related to menopause, may also play a crucial role. The decline in estrogen levels has been linked to cognitive decline, making postmenopausal women more susceptible to Alzheimer's (2). Additionally, some studies have suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have a protective effect against Alzheimer's in women (3).

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress has been linked to brain changes that may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's (4). Women tend to experience higher levels of stress due to societal expectations and roles, including caregiving responsibilities for children and aging parents.

Inflammation

Inflammation has been identified as a key contributor to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Women tend to have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their bodies compared to men (5). This could be due to differences in immune system function between genders or other factors such as reproductive hormones.

Learn about becoming a new patient

Schedule a free 15 minute consultation

Autoimmunity

There is evidence that Alzheimer’s disease may have an autoimmune component, and that autoimmune disorders increase the risk of developing AD (6). Autoimmune conditions are also more prevalent in women.

The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the brain, and disruptions in this system can lead to inflammation and cellular damage (7).

Women Live Longer

The greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s is age, and women tend to live longer than men. This means that they have a higher likelihood of developing the disease simply because they are living longer. Dementia prevalence was higher in women than in men and increased with age, doubling about every 5 years until 85 years of age (8).

The Beta-Amyloid Hypothesis

For decades, beta-amyloid has been the dominant explanation for Alzheimer’s. Researchers believed that amyloid plaques in the brain were the primary cause of the disease. However, despite numerous clinical trials targeting beta-amyloid, no treatment has successfully slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s (9).

The failure of these trials has led scientists to reconsider the role of amyloid. Some now hypothesize that small, soluble oligomers of amyloid, rather than the plaques themselves, may be the real culprits.

Integrative & Functional Medicine Insights

Integrative and functional medicine take a holistic approach to understanding health and disease, considering all aspects of an individual’s lifestyle and environment. These approaches offer additional insights into why Alzheimer’s affects more women than men.

Genetics: There is a genetic component to Alzheimer’s, and some gene variants are more strongly associated with the disease in women than men. Integrative and functional medicine practitioners can conduct genetic testing to identify potential risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management all play significant roles in brain health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Hormonal imbalances: As mentioned earlier, hormones can play a role in inflammation and autoimmune conditions that contribute to Alzheimer’s. Integrative and functional medicine practitioners can help balance hormones to reduce the risk of these conditions.
Gut health: The gut-brain connection is a growing area of research in understanding neurological conditions. In women, hormonal changes can affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, which may contribute to inflammation and ultimately increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Read: Alzheimer’s & Other Neurodegenerative Diseases May Begin in the Gut

Practical Advice for Women to Promote Cognitive Health

Lifestyle interventions beginning in the decades before the appearance of Alzheimer’s symptoms is the best course of action. In fact, those who live a brain-healthy lifestyle may be able to nearly halve their risk of developing all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, as they age.

Here are some actionable steps women can take to promote cognitive health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s:

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish. Avoid processed foods and sugars.
Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are excellent choices.
Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels.
Get Regular Check-ups: Monitor your hormonal levels and address any imbalances with the help of a healthcare provider.
Detoxify Your Environment: Reduce exposure to toxins by choosing natural cleaning products, avoiding plastic containers, and filtering your water.

Read: Aging & Dehydration: Discover the Real Fountain of Youth

Putting It All Together

Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects women, and understanding why is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. While traditional medicine has focused primarily on the role of beta-amyloid, integrative and functional medicine offers a more holistic approach. By addressing lifestyle factors, hormonal imbalances, and environmental toxins, women can take proactive steps to protect their cognitive health.If you’re interested in learning more about how integrative and functional medicine can help you reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, consider booking a consultation with our integrative team. Taking charge of your health today can make all the difference for your future cognitive well-being.