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Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Just wondering if there are more men than women with this disease or is it that male caregivers are just less likely to seek help/ guidance

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Kentucky
January 20
 · 
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A myALZteam Member

I thing that women are more likely to seek out support and join groups like this. I feel that its because we are more.likely to seek out the information and talk about it. In years past, the man was the main one who worked outside the home, was the main financial provider while.the woman managed the household, took care of the kids and kept it all going. Women are more likely to seek out information and share experiences. Most women will seek out the instructions when they begin a new project while most men toss the instructions and try to do it on their own. Children bring women together through school activities, sports, neighborhood playtime, etc. I think its in our DNA. Lol

January 20
A myALZteam Member

Great answer, @A myALZteam Member. Perfectly said -- especially the parts about women sharing experiences and men throwing out the instructions! LOL
@A myALZteam Member, she's spot on.

January 20 (edited)
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member
There are more women than men diagnosed with dementia.

January 20
myALZteam

Are there more women than men with Alzheimer's disease, or do male caregivers just seek less help?

Actually, Alzheimer's disease is significantly more common in women. About two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer's in the U.S. are women — roughly 4.4 million out of 7.2 million people over age 65 with the disease.

For Show Full Answer

Are there more women than men with Alzheimer's disease, or do male caregivers just seek less help?

Actually, Alzheimer's disease is significantly more common in women. About two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer's in the U.S. are women — roughly 4.4 million out of 7.2 million people over age 65 with the disease.

For a long time, researchers thought this was simply because women live longer and age is a major risk factor. However, newer studies show that even when accounting for lifespan differences, women are still more likely to develop Alzheimer's than men.

Several factors may explain why women face higher risk:

- Hormonal changes during menopause, when estrogen levels drop significantly
- The APOE4 gene appears to have a stronger effect in women
- Women may have more harmful protein buildup in their brains earlier in the disease process
- Historical differences in educational opportunities affected cognitive reserve

You're also right that caregiving patterns differ by gender. Women make up more than 60 percent of Alzheimer's caregivers and often experience more stress than men in this role. Male caregivers may indeed be less likely to seek support, though the research focuses more on the disease prevalence itself.

The bottom line: Women genuinely have higher rates of Alzheimer's disease, and it's not just about who's seeking help.

January 20

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