While memory loss is often the first symptom people associate with Alzheimer’s, the disease doesn’t show up the same in everyone. In fact, research shows that your gender plays a major role in how the symptoms unfold.
Men are more likely to develop gait issues
In men, Alzheimer’s is more often associated with early signs like poor balance, trouble walking, and physical coordination problems — sometimes even before memory loss sets in.
Women experience more anxiety symptoms
Women with Alzheimer’s tend to show higher levels of anxiety early on, which can sometimes be mistaken for general stress or hormonal changes, delaying a proper diagnosis.
Sleep apnea is more common in men with Alzheimer’s
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects breathing during sleep, shows up more frequently in male patients and may contribute to faster cognitive decline.
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Urinary tract infections are more frequent in women
For women, recurring urinary tract infections are not only more common, but they can also trigger confusion, delirium, and cognitive dips that mimic Alzheimer’s progression.
Men are more prone to alcohol-related risks
The study found that alcohol consumption was notably higher among men with early-onset Alzheimer’s, pointing to a key modifiable risk factor that worsens outcomes.
Osteoporosis is strongly linked to women with Alzheimer’s
Bone loss and frailty are more often seen in female patients and may be tied to hormonal changes after menopause — adding another layer to disease vulnerability.
Men present more vascular complications
High cholesterol, heart disease, and vascular issues are significantly more common in men with Alzheimer’s, especially in late-onset cases, suggesting a connection between heart health and brain health.
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Women report more hallucinations and mood swings
Female patients are more likely to experience hallucinations, mood instability, and emotional shifts as part of the disease's progression, particularly in early stages.
Medication choices vary by gender
Men were more often prescribed drugs like memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors, possibly reflecting different symptom patterns and disease trajectories.
Women are typically older at diagnosis
On average, women were older than men at the time of diagnosis. This could indicate a delayed recognition of symptoms due to subtler early signs or longer disease resistance.
This article is based on findings from the study News Medical
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