Dementia is a term that refers to a group of symptoms caused by disease or injury in the brain. Dementia causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. In most cases, dementia is not reversible and eventually becomes worse over time. It is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., according to The Alzheimer’s Association, but it can be treated if caught early enough—and it may even be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and interventions such as regular exercise and diet changes. This article aims to explain how dementia affects men and women differently based on their gender-specific biology, physiology, life cycle stages, and social conditions in which they live.
Why Do Men Develop Dementia More Than Women?
You may have heard that men are more likely to develop dementia than women. While this is true, it’s important to note that it’s not because they’re inherently more susceptible to the disease–rather, they’re more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Women are more likely to develop vascular dementia (VaD).
Vascular dementia affects blood vessels in the brain and causes symptoms like confusion or memory loss. Both AD and VaD can be diagnosed with an MRI or CT scan of your head; if you notice any changes in how your loved one is acting or behaving over time, consult with a doctor immediately so they can determine whether further testing is necessary.
The main reason for this gender bias is that the male brain contains more testosterone than the female brain does during development. Testosterone has been shown to increase cell death in certain regions of our brains (such as the hippocampus), which may lead to an increased risk of developing neurological disorders later on in life.”
The symptoms of dementia
The symptoms of dementia can be confusing and frustrating for families. It’s important to know the signs of dementia and how they differ between men and women. The most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (VD).
Dementia causes a progressive decline in memory or other mental functions that are severe enough to interfere with daily life activities. Symptoms include:
- Problems with thinking, reasoning, language, communication, motor skills, and visual perception.
- Personality changes.
- Reduced independence.
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks at home or work.
- Mood swings or depression.
- Sleeping too much or not enough.
While both genders may experience memory loss, men are more likely to have trouble with abstract thinking and reasoning, while women are more likely to have problems with language, such as trouble finding the right words or talking too fast.
Men often exhibit early warning signs of dementia by losing things like keys or wallets; forgetting important appointments; having difficulty following conversations; having trouble with abstract reasoning; or making decisions. Women tend to show signs later on in life because they rely less heavily on short-term memory than do men-and; this makes them less likely to notice early changes in their mental functioning when compared to other people who weren’t aware that anything was wrong until more severe symptoms appeared (such as forgetting where you put your keys).
Steps To Protect Against Dementia In Men And Women
- Exercise regularly. It’s well-known that exercise is good for your body but also has mental benefits. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 3 to 5 days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity at least three times per week for a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in later life.
- Stay socially active with friends and family members who can help you stay mentally sharp throughout your life by engaging in conversation with them about current events, politics, or other topics that interest you both (it doesn’t have to be about work).
- Get enough sleep every night to feel refreshed instead of groggy from not getting enough rest! Be sure not only to get enough sleep but also avoid sleeping during the day unless necessary; this can cause even more problems than just a lack of energy!
