Why Most Alzheimer’s Patients Are Women
According to Harvard Health, of the 6.2 million older Americans with Alzheimer’s, almost two-thirds are women. To put that number into perspective, that means that twice as many women have this disease as men! But why?
Longer life expectancy
Did you know that women, on average, tend to live longer than men? And while that can certainly be a blessing, it can also be a curse. At least, when it comes to Alzheimer’s. As Harvard Health notes, age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The same study goes on to point out that, out of 1,000 people, the number of people who develop Alzheimer’s each year depends on age and gives the following example:
- 4 out of 1,000 people ages 65 to 74 develop Alzheimer’s each year
- 32 out of 1,000 people ages 75 to 84 develop Alzheimer’s each year
- 76 out of 1,000 people ages 85 and older develop Alzheimer’s each year.
But is a longer life expectancy the only reason that more women have Alzheimer’s? Not by a long shot!
Biological differences
Some studies suggest that biological differences between men and women play a role in dementia risk. For example, Harvard Health’s research team found that the depletion of certain ovarian hormones is directly related to memory changes that impact overall cognitive functionality.
Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., an associate professor of neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, stated, “Our research points to menopause as an activating factor” due to its associated symptoms. Mosconi went on to add, “Many of the symptoms of menopause—the hot flashes (a rise in body temperature), night sweats, anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, memory lapses—don’t start in the ovaries; they start in the brain.” The same study also noted that women who are post- or premenopausal showed more early signs of Alzheimer’s compared to men in the same age bracket.
Cardiovascular risk factors
Did you know that your heart health is directly tied to your brain health? According to the American Brain Foundation, taking good care of your heart can reduce your risk of dementia. That’s because dementia and heart disease share the same risk factors, like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Women can be at an even higher risk of developing heart disease after menopause. Sadly, according to the CDC, over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. That’s around 44%!
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Genetic factors
Your genes might play a potential role in developing certain forms of dementia (per Harvard Health). Alz Discovery notes that while the APOE gene is a genetic risk factor for dementia for both men and women, it might have a stronger effect on women than men. For example, women with APOE4 will probably have worse memory performance and greater brain atrophy than their male counterparts. Women with this gene are also more likely to have mild cognitive impairment, according to the same source.
Social and environmental factors
Did you know that social isolation is bad for your health? That’s especially true for your mental and cognitive health. As a matter of fact, loneliness can increase your risk of dementia by 31%. Other studies suggest that women are lonelier than men in their old age. Worse still, women might struggle to find a social network, especially if they live in a rural area or don’t have access to public transportation. Sadly, this combination of social and environmental factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
How can I reduce my risk of dementia?
Here’s the stark reality: there’s no foolproof way to prevent dementia. The good news is, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk! Here are a few lifestyle tweaks you can make today that can improve your overall physical and cognitive health.
1. Stay physically active.
Working out isn’t just healthy for your body. It can make your brain healthier, too! According to the CDC, exercising regularly can reduce your risk of dementia. Shoot for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week or around 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. Make sure you throw at least 2 days of strength training into the mix! The best part is, you don’t have to join a gym to be physically active. Try to get up off the couch and move around your house. Or you can put on your tennis shoes and go for a walk. Even vacuuming or sweeping off your sidewalk counts as physical activity, so don’t put off your chores!
2. Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
You are what you eat, as the old saying goes. And it’s true. If you stuff yourself with junk and processed foods, you’re missing out on a lot of healthy nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to function properly. Foods high in sugar and saturated fats can also increase your risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all of which can lead to dementia. So, if you’re not eating right, start fixing your diet. You don’t have to swear off cake and soda for life, but try to follow the “everything in moderation” motto. If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor and figure out ways you can shed a few pounds and get into a healthy weight range.
4. Staying mentally active.
Staying physically active is only one half of the equation. You need to keep your brain on its toes, too! Exercise those cognitive muscles every day. Read a book, do a puzzle, or take up a new hobby. You can also enroll in adult education classes at your local community college. Just keep those neurons firing, however you can!
5. Socialize!
Introverts might not take kindly to this tip. However, science confirms it: socializing is good for the soul. It’s good for the brain, too! Staying socially connected after you retire can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Make some time for your friends and loved ones. If you aren’t already a member of a club or a volunteer group, join one! Stay connected. It’s important!
6. Get quality sleep.
Did you know that poor-quality sleep is linked to cognitive decline? If you’ve had insomnia for years, don’t just shrug it off. Talk to a doctor and figure out ways you can get a good night’s sleep. Otherwise, try to develop better sleep habits. Going to bed and waking up at the same times can help your body settle into a rhythm and improve your sleep quality. Also, avoid drinking coffee right before bed!
7. Take care of your stress.
Stress is often known as the silent killer. And while you may have lived with chronic stress for many years, you should do everything in your power to get it under control. Stress doesn’t necessarily cause dementia, but those who have anxiety and chronic stress are more likely to develop it. If you’re stressed all the time, figure out ways to combat it! Make time for self-care and don’t assume too many responsibilities at once.
8. Quit smoking.
We’ve all seen the Ad Council ads. We know cigarettes are bad for our health. However, they wreak havoc on more than your lungs and throat. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, smoking increases vascular problems, which in turn can increase your risk of two types of dementia. In other words? Throw away your cigarettes!
9. Limit how much alcohol you drink.
Drinking excessively is bad for all of your important body functions, including your cognitive health. Studies show that drinking alcohol in excess increases your risk of dementia. So, drink in moderation!
10. Manage chronic health conditions.
Chronic health conditions often raise your risk for other chronic health conditions. Think of it as ouroboros: the symbol of a snake eating itself. If you have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or other chronic health conditions, you might be at a higher risk of dementia. Talk to your doctor and figure out a game plan. Whether they suggest lifestyle changes, put you on meds, or some combination thereof, follow their instructions. Not only will your body be healthier, but your brain will, too!
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Looking for More?
To read more articles on Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, start here:
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Senior Resource Center
Popular Articles About Alzheimer's and Dementia
Originally published July 24, 2025
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