Did you know that two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients worldwide are women? Yes, this statistic is startling, yet it also serves to raise awareness. Women face a higher risk of developing this memory-impairing disease compared to men.

Therefore, it is crucial for women over the age of 40 to be extra vigilant about their brain health. You might wonder why women are at greater risk; there isn't just one reason, but several. Let’s explore these factors and learn how you can take care of your brain.

Why are more women affected by Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is generally an age-related disease, with symptoms appearing as one gets older. One possible explanation is simply that women tend to live longer than men, making them more likely to develop the condition.

However, the true answer is not that simple; one must understand female biology to grasp the full picture.

Estrogen: The brain's protective shield
Estrogen—the female reproductive hormone present in high levels before menopause—acts as a protective shield for the brain. It safeguards brain cells from damage, but levels of this hormone drop rapidly after menopause.

While discussions regarding declining estrogen levels often focus on sleep, mood, and heart health, this decline also impacts brain health. Reduced estrogen diminishes the brain's ability to protect itself, which is why the risk of Alzheimer's increases in women after menopause.

Genetics also pose a significant risk
A specific gene has been linked to Alzheimer's. Research has shown that individuals carrying the APOE gene face a higher risk of developing the disease. However, what is surprising is that women carrying this gene variant face a significantly higher risk of the disease compared to men with the same variant.

When does the risk begin?
Alzheimer's is caused by the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain. During menopause, the brain's ability to utilize glucose begins to decline. This leads to a reduced energy supply, preventing the brain from clearing out the harmful proteins that contribute to Alzheimer's. While it may go undetected initially, the problem gradually worsens and eventually develops into Alzheimer's.

What can be done for prevention?
While genetics and the natural process of menopause cannot be altered, one can certainly take steps to maintain brain health. Studies have shown that lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

To keep your brain active, take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Additionally, pay close attention to your sleep, diet, exercise, and physical activity levels. Ensure you get eight hours of sleep every night; compromising on sleep directly harms brain health.

Similarly, a lack of exercise or physical activity impacts the brain. Therefore, exercise for half an hour daily and adopt an active lifestyle. Along with these measures, managing stress is crucial, and one should avoid habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

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