Modifiable Risk Factors May Be Greater in Women
While many of these risk factors appear to impact women and men equally, there are a few that are more common in women, says Caldwell.
Depression “The No. 1 here is depression. Depression is a risk factor for dementia, and it is just more common in women, so if you’re a woman, you’re more likely to experience that risk factor,” she says.
Low Education In this case, this is defined as not finishing high school, and that factor is also more common in women who are currently aging into the risk range for Alzheimer’s, says Caldwell. “This will be different for later generations, but right now, it’s still a risk factor that impacts more women than men, at least in the United States,” she says.
Physical Inactivity On average, women just exercise less than men, says Caldwell.
Degree of Impact Another way modifiable risks can impact women differentially is by being worse (in terms of brain health and Alzheimer’s disease) for women when they do appear, she says.
“One example of that is diabetes. While diabetes is a risk factor for men and women when it comes to dementia, it’s worse for women. When we have it, it creates more brain impact than it does for a man,” says Caldwell.
There are also other modifiable risk factors that aren’t included in the list yet, she says.
“On a more positive note (for women), there are some large, long-running studies that show better impact in women in terms of protecting the brain when you work to change your cognitive activity, your nutrition, and your exercise,” says Caldwell.
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