Alzheimer's disease disproportionately affects women

Research from the Weill Cornell Women’s Brain Initiative indicates that two out of every three people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are women. This gender disparity is attributed to hormonal changes occurring during perimenopause and menopause.

Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi explains that estrogen provides essential protection for the female brain by aiding blood flow and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The decline in estrogen levels removes this protection. Additionally, fluctuations in cortisol, a stress-related hormone, can impact memory and mood. These biological shifts may trigger brain changes associated with Alzheimer's as early as age 45, decades before a formal diagnosis.

In Brazil, the disease affects approximately 8.5% of the population aged 60 and older. Neurologist Edson Issamu Yokoo emphasizes the importance of distinguishing normal age-related forgetfulness from symptoms that compromise daily life, such as disorientation, loss of recent memories, and impaired executive functions. Early diagnosis and lifestyle factors, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, are critical for managing the progression of the disease.