New Study Shows Women at Higher Risk than Men for Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association just released an updated “Facts and Figures” report on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. The findings in the report are disturbing especially for women. Out of over 5 million people currently diagnosed in the country, over 2/3 of Alzheimer’s suffers were found to be women. Women over 65 have a 1 in 6 chance of developing the disease as compared to a 1 in 11 chance for men.

Sadly, the number of people developing Alzheimer’s disease is not slowing down. Treatments are costly and have been found to be mostly ineffective. Angela Geiger, chief strategy officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, says that well-funded research is necessary to “prevent and treat the disease.” According to Ms. Geiger, extensive research has resulted in a decrease in fatalities caused by other diseases such as breast cancer and HIV/AIDS. Little is known about the cause of Alzheimer’s and why it has affected more women than men. While many believe the disease is linked to family history, research has not uncovered a genetic link. According to researchers, if effective treatments are not found soon, the Alzheimer’s disease rate could triple by 2050.