Study reveals women at higher risk of dementia

Recent studies have highlighted a worrying reality: women are at a higher risk of developing dementia compared to men.

A study published in The Times points to several reasons why women are disproportionately affected, with both biological and societal factors at play.

1. Women face a 1 in 2 chance of developing dementia in their lifetime, while men have a 1 in 3 chance. This growing gender gap is especially prominent as women age, with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia becoming more common among older women.

One key factor contributing to the higher risk in women is the societal roles they are often expected to play. For years, women have been primarily responsible for caregiving within families, looking after children, spouses, and elderly relatives.

This added responsibility, coupled with limited time for self-care, can lead to stress and mental strain—factors that can increase the likelihood of cognitive decline. While men experience dementia too, women’s roles in caregiving amplify their risk, making them more vulnerable to developing the disease.

The study also explores the impact of gender bias on dementia risk. Gender inequality in society, particularly in the workplace, adds mental and emotional burdens on women that can affect their health. The pressure to excel at both work and home, while also fulfilling caregiving duties, can create overwhelming stress.

These societal pressures, combined with hormonal changes during menopause, may leave women more susceptible to dementia, especially in their later years.

Hormonal shifts during menopause play a significant role in women’s cognitive health. Estrogen, a hormone essential for brain function, decreases drastically during menopause, leading to memory lapses, brain fog, and, in some cases, long-term cognitive decline.

Though researchers are still investigating the exact relationship between estrogen levels and dementia, the hormonal changes experienced by women during this stage of life appear to have a substantial impact on their mental health and overall risk of dementia.

The intersection of these biological and societal factors creates a perfect storm for women, placing them at a higher risk for dementia.

While men also experience cognitive decline, women’s unique experiences—shaped by caregiving roles and societal expectations—make their situation more complex. This disparity calls for a deeper understanding of how gender and societal influences intersect with health risks.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Women need more support in caregiving roles, including access to resources and time for self-care. Workplaces should become more equitable, offering women better opportunities for balance.

Additionally, healthcare systems must place greater focus on the specific needs of women, especially as they go through menopause, to ensure early detection and prevention of dementia.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to recognize the unique challenges women face when it comes to dementia.

By addressing both the societal and biological factors that contribute to the higher risk, we can create a more supportive environment for women. With the rising number of dementia cases and an aging population, it’s more important than ever to prioritize research and action aimed at reducing the gender gap in dementia risk.

Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand

The post Study reveals women at higher risk of dementia appeared first on Asaase Radio.