Angeleta Cox recalls her mother, Sonia Elizabeth Cox, as a hardworking woman who juggled three full-time jobs, cared for her children, and nurtured her flourishing garden without pause. However, at 64 years old, Sonia’s vibrant life was abruptly halted by an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, disrupting the life she had built since moving to Canada from Jamaica in 1985.
The progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms was swift for Sonia, starting with forgetting her husband and losing the ability to recognize her son, eventually leading Angeleta to become her primary caregiver. After a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s, Sonia Elizabeth passed away last year.
Statistics show that a higher percentage of women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s compared to men, a trend observed in Canada as well, where nearly two-thirds of dementia cases are in women. While aging remains a significant risk factor for dementia, researchers are now exploring other biological and social factors that may contribute to women’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s beyond age.
Studies suggest that factors such as the timing of hormonal changes in women’s lives, including menarche, fertility duration, and menopause age, play a crucial role in Alzheimer’s risk. Research indicates that longer reproductive years and having a moderate number of children may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Premature and early menopause are identified as key risk factors for the disease.
Experts emphasize the importance of tailored treatments for women experiencing early or premature menopause to address hormone deficiencies. Estrogen-based therapies are commonly used to mitigate cognitive decline associated with menopause-induced hormonal changes. Research also highlights the increased Alzheimer’s risk for women who undergo ovary removal before the age of 50.
Efforts are underway to enhance research inclusivity, particularly in understanding Alzheimer’s risks specific to women. Initiatives like the Canadian Brain Health at Midlife and Menopause study aim to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s through mid-life assessments, enabling early interventions and lifestyle modifications to promote healthy aging.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, symptom management through medications and lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise and a brain-healthy diet can aid in preserving brain health in individuals at risk of cognitive decline. Researchers are also striving to diversify participant pools to better comprehend how race factors into Alzheimer’s risk.
Angeleta Cox acknowledges the impact of surgically induced menopause on her mother’s Alzheimer’s risk and has since made lifestyle changes to reduce her own risk. By sharing her experiences and knowledge within the community, she hopes to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s risks in women, striving for better outcomes for future generations affected by the disease.