The Heavy Weight of Alzheimer’s on Women
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that there are 11 million women in the US who either live with or care for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s. Although the link between gender and Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, it is widely accepted that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases dramatically with age. Since women tend to live longer than men, the Alzheimer’s risk goes up as women age.
Compared to men, however, the responsibility of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s seems to fall squarely on the shoulders of more women than men. This adds a unique dimension to the Alzheimer’s spectrum of care. Earlier on, the responsibility of caring for partners or other family members suffering from Alzheimer’s falls to women, who then themselves carry a greater risk of Alzheimer’s themselves as they age.
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
Forgetting where you left your keys or your glasses isn’t by itself considered a sign of Alzheimer’s as long as that forgetfulness does not impact your ability to live independently. When forgetfulness begins to impact your ability to actively care for yourself, that’s when the question of Alzheimer’s comes into play.
It’s important to know the early signs of Alzheimer’s:
- Repeating questions in a short period of time
- Misplacing items more than usual
- Difficulty recalling words when communicating
- Being unable to plan for events and appointments
- Finding small problems overwhelming
- Inability to remember if bills were paid or if items were purchased recently
- Sustained lack of interest in social activities
- Dramatic changes in mood or personality
What Can You Do
Current research has been unable to clearly define what causes Alzheimer’s. However, a combination of various factors have been identified that increases the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle and coexisting medical conditions.
Some correlation has been found between heart health and the risks for developing Alzheimer’s. Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol has always been important, but even more so when Alzheimer’s in the picture.
Staying physically active increases blood flow and oxygen to your body and brain. Not only will this help your muscle tone and agility, staying active can potentially lead to better outcomes when it comes to Alzheimer’s.
In this highly interconnected digital world, maintaining relationships in the real world is more important than ever. Socializing can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and mental decline. It is felt that social connections deepen the connections between nerves and cells in the brain.
Helmets are not just essential when playing sports and bicycles in your younger years. As you age, that helmet drastically reduces your chances of suffering from head trauma. Head trauma of any kind has been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
In your later years, fall-proofing your home is also essential, including:
- Removing loose rugs
- Replacing low lighting
- Keeping hallways and pathways clear
- Installing handle bars in bathrooms
- Keeping floors dry and free from moisture especially in the bathroom and kitchen
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be scary. Doing your research on the early warning signs can help you stay prepared so as to not get caught off guard. Staying active – both physically and socially – is another way to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and maintain good brain health. In the home, keeping clutter at minimum, keeping the floors dry, and using adequate lighting are all ways to prevent falling and head trauma, linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
For women, don’t bear the load of taking care of partners or family members with Alzheimer’s alone. Your health is important too! Using the steps we’ve described above can keep you moving into your later years full of energy, brain clarity, and peace of mind.