Health: Women Will Be Diagnosed With Alzheimer's More Than Men According To New Report
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A startling number of women will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, compared to men, according to a new report. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more on the numbers.
Pansy Greene is trying to stay active with her husband Winston, despite battling the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease.
"I got lost when I was going to the store. And I couldn't find my way home, so I had to call Winston and have him come pick me up," said Pansy.
New figures from the Alzheimer's Association show at age 65 a woman's risk for getting the disease is one in six compared to one in 11 for men.
"Women in their 60s are actually twice as likely over the course of their life to develop Alzheimer's disease as they are breast cancer," said Dr. Maria Carrillo, with the Alzheimer's Association.
Experts say more research is needed to figure out why women are disproportionately affected.
"Age is the greatest risk factor and women living longer is our primary reason right now for attribution of that difference," said Dr. Carrillo.
For Pansy, diagnosed four years ago at 69, medication and keeping busy is important.
"I do my crossword puzzles. I read my scriptures every day. We get out and walk, and we do a lot of things. So I'm not letting anything keep me down," said Pansy.
"How could I not be hopeful and not positive when Pansy is as positive as she is," said Winston Greene, Pansy's husband.
Age and family history are the biggest risk factors for developing Alzheimer's, but doctors say it can strike anyone. Finding it early and getting treatment can help, but there's no cure. And the report says there are about 15 million caregivers who are dramatically impacted.
For more on Clinical Trial Information, visit- http://www.alz.org/research/clinical_trials/find_clinical_trials_trialmatch.asp
For more on Caregiver Support Group Information-, visit: http://www.alz.org/desjsepa/in_my_community_support.asp?type=alzchptfooter