Alzheimer\u2019s disease is the fifth leading cause of death of Americans aged 65 or older.\u202f It was identified more than 100 years ago, but most of the research into the symptoms, causes and treatments of the disease has only come about within the last 30 years.\u202f While this research has shed a lot of light, there\u2019s still much more to be done to find out the biological changes that cause Alzheimer\u2019s, as well as why it progresses at certain rates among those affected.\u202f Currently, there is no cure or effective prevention for Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
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One thing that is known at this point is that Alzheimer\u2019s affects more women than men. According to the\u202fAlzheimer\u2019s Association\u2019s 2020\u00a0Facts and Figures report,<\/a>\u00a0almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer\u2019s disease are women.<\/p>\n While there is no evidence showing that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer\u2019s disease at any given age over men, one of the reasons Alzheimer\u2019s is more prevalent in women is that females on average live longer than their male counterparts.\u202f According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women\u2019s life expectancy is around 81 years old, while men\u2019s is 76 years old. This means that by age 65, women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s due to their longer lifespan.\u202f In fact, 1 in 6 women in their 60s has a chance of getting Alzheimer\u2019s over the remainder of her life, while for men that figure is 1 in 11.<\/p>\n There\u00a0can be behavioral differences among men and women who\u00a0are living with\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s as well, which can affect the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease among the genders. The brain structures of men and women has been proven to be different, so this may explain the different behavioral changes associated with the disease. Men are more likely to\u00a0express themselves through aggressive actions\u00a0at\u00a0their caregivers.\u202f Women can exhibit these\u00a0behavioral expressions,\u00a0too, but men are generally stronger and can be more physical.<\/p>\n However, men and women both express similar fears about Alzheimer\u2019s disease. In a 2014 poll by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, responders were asked what scared them the most about getting Alzheimer\u2019s disease. The results showed that both men and women were\u00a0most concerned about becoming a burden on their families (19% women, 17% men) and the fact that they could forget their loved ones (19% women, 16% men), among other similar answers.\u202f In general, people age 60 or older fear developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease more than other chronic conditions like cancer or heart disease.<\/p>\n In the state of Indiana alone, there are over\u00a0110,000\u00a0seniors with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and that number is expected to go up by\u00a018.2%\u00a0by the year 2025. Advances have already been made as far as early detection, lifestyle modifications and different treatment methods of Alzheimer\u2019s, and there\u2019s hope that the future will hold more research leading to the prevention and treatment of this debilitating disease.<\/p>\n American Senior Communities offers\u00a0care\u00a0or people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia.\u202f For more information about memory care at American Senior Communities, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can feel overwhelming, which is why we are committed to evidence-based care and ongoing education and rely on these trusted organizations that provide families and caregivers with accurate information, research, educational resources, and support throughout the dementia journey.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s Association of Indiana<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s.gov<\/a> (reports\/research)<\/span><\/p>\n AARP Dementia Resource Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n