Women face higher dementia risk starting at age 65

Recent data analyses reveal a significant gender gap in dementia and Alzheimer's disease risk, with women being disproportionately affected starting at age 65. According to the Alzheimer's Association, women in the United States represent nearly two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer's. Statistical projections indicate that a woman aged 65 has a 1-in-6 chance of developing Alzheimer's, compared to a 1-in-11 chance for men.

Global trends show a rising burden of cognitive impairment. In 2021, approximately 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia. Experts predict this number could rise to 130 million by 2050, driven by roughly 10 million new cases annually.

Data from the World Health Organization for 2021 highlights this disparity in Cyprus, where Alzheimer's and dementia were the second leading cause of death for women at 49.9 deaths per 100,000. For men in the same region, the disease ranked sixth, with 26.8 deaths per 100,000. While genetic factors like ApoE-4 contribute to risk, research suggests the impact of these factors may vary by gender, necessitating targeted prevention and increased support for caregivers.