Probable Alzheimer's disease: gender-related issues

Abstract

Probable Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by exclusion when no other disorder--such as stroke, brain infection, or vitamin deficiency--can be found to account for specific cognitive change. Although probable Alzheimer's disease affects both men and women, studies in many different populations show that between 1.5 and 3 times as many women as men suffer from probable Alzheimer's disease. For women with the disease, one needs to consider behavioral and cognitive problems, therapeutic issues, and other gender-related risks. Additionally, social, psychological, and emotional variables play a role in the female caregiver's burden.