New Alzheimer’s Study Provides Important Stats for Women

According to a new report from the ­­­­American Alzheimer’s Association, there are nearly 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease. A number that is expected to triple by 2050. It’s also alarming to note that out of the 5 million people, 3.2 million are women. That is one out of every six women over the age of 65 that will develop Alzheimer’s.  As women age, Alzheimer’s becomes more risky than breast cancer. In fact, it is twice as likely that a woman will develop Alzheimer’s over breast cancer.

The research has been brought to light by aging advocate Maria Shriver as an effort to highlight the fact that federal funding is 10 times higher for cancer research than it is for Alzheimer’s. Here at Queen City Elder Care, we’d like to thank Maria for all her hard work in shining a light on important aging studies such as this.  We know there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. What’s important to focus on is looking out for early warning signs and live a healthy lifestyle which certainly can help. Today show contributor Dr. Nancy Snyderman points out that “Whatever’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, are all things that can hurt your heart and kidneys can bring on Alzheimer’s early”

Are you surprised by these numbers? Let us know in the comments below.