Alzheimer’s Association Graphic
As 4,000 of the leading Alzheimer’s researchers from 65 countries continue to collaborate in Washington this week, we’re so hungry for hopeful news. One topic getting a lot of attention is the apparent gender inequality where Alzheimer’s is concerned.
We know that women comprise two-thirds of American living with Alzheimer’s, but why is that? In the past, the statistic that has been largely attributed to the fact that women outlive their male counterparts.
Gender Differences
Growing evidence suggests there may be more to the story. Several gender-related studies are being discussed at the AAIC this week, and the findings are interesting. Consider this:
- Women with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) decline at a rate almost twice that of men.
- When PET scans were used to check amyloid levels in 1,000 subjects, an obvious disparity was identified. It seems women’s brains tend to contain more amyloid than the brains of men, which would seem to put them at higher risk for Alzheimer’s.
- Women who undergo surgery with general anesthesia experience more cognitive issues than men.
The question remains, why? Why are the incidences of Alzheimer’s in women so much greater than in men? That mystery, we hope, will be solved sooner than later.
News, News, and More News
As expected, there is an abundance of news coming out of this week’s conference. If you’re interested in reading more, the Alzheimer’s Association has published the following list of articles from various sources. You can also find a list of press releases on the AAIC page.
New wave of Alzheimer’s research aims to diagnose, treat much earlier
— CBS News
Growing evidence links sleep problems, Alzheimer’s
— Associated Press
Saliva test may catch Alzheimer’s disease
— CNN
With millions more expected to develop Alzheimer’s, more research funding demanded
— The Los Angeles Times
Too much TV can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s, new study suggests
— The Washington Post
Your School Grades Affect Your Risk of Dementia
— TIME
Biomarkers identified patients most likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease
— Psychiatry Advisor
Alzheimer’s scientists to meet in D.C. amid signs of progress for treatment
— The Washington Post
Researchers Looking for Ways to Predict Alzheimer’s Before It Starts
— NBC News
Saliva seen as possible diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease
— The Washington Post
Study Shows Promise in Detecting an Individual’s Likelihood of Developing Alzheimer’s
— The Wall Street Journal
Alzheimer’s Drugs In The Works Might Help Other Diseases, Too
— NPR
Has Biogen found the ‘Goldilocks’ dose for Alzheimer’s drug?
— CNBC
Ahead of Alzheimer’s meeting, researchers seize on signs of progress
— Reuters
CNBC Explains: New Alzheimer’s Drugs
— CNBC
Keeping her promise, New Hampshire caregiver Brenda Bouchard has been out on the campaign trail – most recently posing her question to Bernie Sanders and Jeb Bush. If you’d like to hear the candidates’ thoughts on Alzheimer’s, take a look at the clips below. Also be sure to check out my July 30th post if you missed seeing what Clinton, Kasich, and Santorum had to say.
New Hampshire resident, 
The Long and Winding Road... 