Neurologist tells you what every Indian woman must know about Alzheimer’s risk

Causes of Alzheimer's disease in women: Hormonal changes post-menopause also have a part to play. Estrogen has protective effects on the brain. When its levels drop, the brain may become more susceptible to damage, say experts (Image: Pexels)

Forgetting a few things now and then is common. But if these lapses go beyond the usual, and become more frequent or worrying, it might be Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest it is on the rise, and for women in India, it poses a very real and unique threat.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Alzheimer’s disease, which impacts thinking, learning, and memory, happens more often in women than in men, for reasons unknown. It says that women tend to have more buildup of a protein called tau in their brain cells. These buildups, called tau tangles, are a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a memory issue and a progressive condition that starts silently and can change the way a person thinks, behaves and lives. “Women are more vulnerable than men.” Dr Praveen Gupta, Neurologist, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS) Gurugram, tells Moneycontrol. “Though Alzheimer’s can affect anyone, women are more likely to develop the condition,” he adds.

Also read | 10 things you should know about Alzheimer’s: Why age, family history, lifestyle matter

The reasons are layered. “Longevity plays a role, because women generally live longer. And with age being the strongest risk factor, the numbers speak for themselves,” Dr Gupta notes.

He adds, “Hormonal changes post-menopause also have a part to play. Estrogen has protective effects on the brain. When its levels drop, the brain may become more susceptible to damage.”

Add to that the fact that women often delay their own health needs due to caregiving duties, and the picture becomes clearer.

Causes of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s develops slowly over years. Dr Gupta shares:

• Protein build-up in the brain (β‐amyloid plaques and tau tangles) disrupts cell communication.
• Ageing beyond 65 increases risk dramatically.
• Genetics, particularly the APOE ε4 gene, raises chances but doesn’t guarantee disease.
• Heart health problems like high BP, cholesterol, diabetes, are closely linked.
• Head injuries and even hearing loss raise risk.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, poor sleep, inactivity, and social isolation worsen outcomes.
• Educational gaps also matter: lifelong learning helps build “brain reserve”.

Many women ignore or brush off symptoms. But catching Alzheimer’s early can make a real difference. Watch out for these symptoms.

• Memory slips, especially recent events
• Difficulty planning or solving basic problems
• Trouble finishing familiar tasks
• Getting confused with time or place
• Losing words or struggling with conversations
• Mood swings or withdrawal
• Poor judgement or decision-making

Dr Gupta shares lifestyle changes that can delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s onset:

• Look after your heart: Control BP, blood sugar, and avoid smoking
• Get moving: Regular walking, yoga, swimming helps
• Eat smart: Follow a Mediterranean or “MIND” diet
• Stay sharp: Do puzzles, learn skills, read
• Stay social: Loneliness is a real risk
• Sleep well: Good sleep clears brain toxins
• Avoid injuries: Prevent falls, wear helmets
• Regular health checks: Especially hearing and hormone health
• Encourage girls' education: Brain reserve starts early

FAQs on Alzheimer's Risk in Women

What is Alzheimer's disease and why is it more common in women?

Alzheimer’s disease affects thinking, learning, and memory. It’s more common in women due to factors like protein buildup in brain cells, longevity, and hormonal changes post-menopause. Women tend to have more tau protein accumulations, increasing their risk.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s in women?

Early signs include memory slips, difficulty planning, trouble finishing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, losing words, mood swings, poor judgement, and withdrawal. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in managing the disease.

What are the causes of Alzheimer’s?

Causes include protein build-up in the brain, ageing beyond 65, genetics (APOE ε4 gene), heart health problems, head injuries, hearing loss, and lifestyle factors like smoking, poor sleep, inactivity, and social isolation. Educational gaps can also influence the risk.

How can lifestyle changes help delay or prevent Alzheimer’s in women?

Lifestyle changes include controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, regular physical activity, following a healthy diet, engaging in mental exercises, maintaining social connections, ensuring good sleep, avoiding injuries, and regular health checks, particularly for hearing and hormone health.

Why is awareness about Alzheimer's low in India, especially among women?

Awareness is low because women often prioritize others' needs over their own. Brain health should be part of every health conversation, starting from age 40. Community programs, school education, and better screening can improve awareness and prevention.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.