WASHINGTON—Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women, and now some scientists are questioning the long-held assumption that it’s just because they tend to live longer than men.
What else may put woman at extra risk? Could it be genetics? Biological differences in how women age? Maybe even lifestyle factors?
Finding out might affect treatments or preventive care.
One worrisome hint is that research shows a notorious Alzheimer’s-related gene has a bigger impact on women than men.
“There are enough biological questions pointing to increased risk in women that we need to delve into that and find out why,” said Maria Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer’s Association.
