Alzheimer’s Disease



Part of the SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard

Alzheimer’s Disease & Women’s Health 

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is often characterized into three broad phases: preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia [1]. Although age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, dementia is not a normal sign of aging.   

The cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but a hallmark of the disease is abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles formed in the brain. This buildup contributes to brain cell atrophy and death, leading to significant impairment of an individual to function independently – intellectually, physically, and socially – as the disease progresses.  

The information presented below has been curated from 2018 data, unless otherwise stated. 

 

 

DISEASE BURDEN

DISEASE PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY

DISEASE IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

 

 

Part of the SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard

Alzheimer’s Disease & Women’s Health 

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is often characterized into three broad phases: preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia [1]. Although age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, dementia is not a normal sign of aging.   

The cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but a hallmark of the disease is abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles formed in the brain. This buildup contributes to brain cell atrophy and death, leading to significant impairment of an individual to function independently – intellectually, physically, and socially – as the disease progresses.  

The information presented below has been curated from 2018 data, unless otherwise stated. 

 

 

DISEASE BURDEN

DISEASE PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY

DISEASE IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

 

 

Call to Action

Despite the broad investment in Alzheimer’s disease research and care, there remain significant gaps in our understanding and approach to addressing disease disparities for women. SWHR has identified priority areas to eliminate gaps in Alzheimer’s disease concerning delays in diagnoses for women, inclusion of women in clinical trials, disproportionate burden of caregiving, and policy solutions that hinder access and care for women living with Alzheimer’s disease.

DOWNLOAD “ADVANCING CARE FOR WOMEN WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A CALL TO ACTION”