World Alzheimer's Day 2025: Neurologist alerts women face double the risk of developing Alzheimer's than men

By Admin

22 Sep, 2025

Every year on September 21, the world observes World Alzheimer’s Day, a global initiative aimed at spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, breaking myths, recognizing warning signs, and understanding who may be most at risk. On World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, medical experts are shedding light on a concerning fact women are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to men.

According to Dr. Bipan Kumar Sharma, Consultant Neurology, Kailash Deepak Hospital, Alzheimer’s affects nearly double the number of women as men, and this goes beyond the factor of longer life expectancy. A mix of biological, hormonal, and genetic reasons makes women more vulnerable to this neurodegenerative condition.

Why Women Are at Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s

Menopause and Hormonal Changes

Menopause marks a major turning point in a woman’s health journey. Dr. Sharma explains that estrogen, which protects brain cells, drops sharply during midlife. This decline can affect brain structure, energy regulation, and immune response factors that raise Alzheimer’s risk.
He further added that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may help if started at the right time, but initiating it too late might not be beneficial and could even be harmful.

Genetics

Genetic makeup also plays a defining role. For example, the APOE4 gene, a well-established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, appears to affect women more strongly than men. Additionally, since women have two X chromosomes, certain genes on this chromosome may influence brain aging and immune function, potentially increasing susceptibility.

Immune System Differences

A woman’s immune system is typically more active than a man’s. While this can be advantageous in fighting infections, it can also trigger greater neuroinflammation, which is a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease. This hyperactive immune response may speed up the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles two hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.

Taking Preventive Steps

For women already at a higher risk, prioritizing brain health becomes essential. Neurologists suggest adopting proactive lifestyle habits such as:

• Eating brain-friendly foods (rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins).
  
  

• Engaging in regular cognitive activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.
  
  

• Practicing stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation.
  
  

• Scheduling regular medical check-ups to monitor and manage risk factors early.
  
  

Final Note

As World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 reminds us, awareness and prevention are key to addressing this growing health concern. While women may face a higher biological risk, lifestyle choices and timely interventions can make a significant difference.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns related to Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions.