Sir, – Dementia is an issue that disproportionately affects women and it is high time that research into the gendered nature of the condition is carried out.
Research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Annual Conference in Washington US conference on dementia this month revealed women may be at a greater risk from the condition than men, and decline mentally at a faster rate.
The figures demonstrated that at the age of 65, women have a one in six chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with a one in 11 chance for men.
The US scientists also found the symptoms of women living with mild cognitive impairment, which is a forerunner to dementia, appear to progress at twice the rate as men.
The results point to the possibility of as yet undiscovered gender-specific or environmental risk facts that influence the speed of progression.
We know there are almost twice as many women living with dementia here in Ireland than men. There are currently 30,359 Irish women living with dementia compared with 17,385 men.
It is imperative that in-depth research is conducted now on the Irish experience of dementia and increased analysis on the gendered nature of the condition, so we can plan targeted campaigns for women to increase their understanding of risk, assessment and available resources.
The gendered nature of dementia extends beyond those with the condition to encompass those providing care.
There are far more Irish women than men providing care for people with dementia who are in serious need of more interventions and supports, both financial and psychosocial.
Previous studies, including a global research review on women and dementia published by Alzheimer's Disease International, revealed more women live with dementia than men, the prevalence is higher than for men; women are more at risk of developing dementia and the symptoms they live with more severe.
Isn’t it time we addressed these unrelenting hardships being endured by women? – Yours, etc,
TINA LEONARD,
Head of Advocacy
and Public Affairs,
Alzheimer Society
of Ireland,
Temple Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.