Women experience a ‘significantly faster’ decline in psychology than men and are at greater risk for depression, scientists warn
- Researchers from the USA analyzed 26,088 people who did mental tests
- This included 11,775 men and 14,313 women with an average starting age of 58
- The team found that men’s and women’s memory abilities were declining at equal rates
- But women lost action and achieved global understanding faster
- Decreases in these two areas of psychology are known to increase the risk of dementia
Compared to men, women experience ‘significantly faster’ mental decline later in life which increases their risk of dementia, a new study has warned.
Researchers from the USA analyzed data on the mental decline of 26,088 people who were retested for global cognition, functional intelligence and memory.
At the start of the experiment, the average age of the participants was 58.
The team found that, on average, men and women experienced a reduction in memory capacity at the same rate.
However, women have been found to experience a much greater reduction in both global experience and functional ability – movements associated with increased risk of dementia.
Compared to men, women experience ‘significantly faster’ mental retardation later in life which increases the risk of dementia, a new study has warned (stock image)
”[Our] results show that women have more mental preservation but faster mental decline than men’s lives, ‘the researchers wrote in their paper.
‘Evidence shows that the incidence of dementia in Europe and the US has declined in the last 25 years, but there has been a smaller reduction in women than in men.’
‘Our findings show that women are at risk for delayed mental decline, but a more rapid path of decline, suggesting a greater risk of dementia and disability compared to men. ‘
They said this, ‘it is consistent with research showing that women with brain damage or Alzheimer’s disease have faster mental decline than men. ‘
In their study, chronic disease expert Deborah Levine from the University of Michigan and colleagues analyzed data on the mental abilities of 26,088 people – including 11,775 men and 14,313 women.
Data were collated from five health checks conducted between 1971–2017.
Not all subjects included in the study had a previous history of stroke or depression at the time of their initial assessment, as this can affect the rate of mental decline.
The researchers found that – at the time of their first mental assessment, women had significantly higher performance scores on average in cognitive function, function and memory than their male peers.
Although female and male memory abilities were found to decline over time at the same rate, women were found to experience a more rapid decline in their performance in global cognitive and functional tests.
Although female and male memory abilities were found to decline over time at the same rate, women were found to experience a more rapid decline in their performance in global cognitive and functional tests. In the picture, a comparison of the projected declines in cognitive values (with global experience left, moderate function and correct memory) begins at age 70 for the average black man and woman
According to the researchers, the findings may help improve health care provision for women later in life.
‘Women may have greater needs for care facilities and functional support, particularly as women have a longer life expectancy than men,’ they said.
Coupled with this, they said women may be more ‘needing a serial mental assessment to allow earlier detection of mental decline. ‘
Women, they said, are at greater risk than men of experiencing dementia based on reasonably measured mental decline.
However, the team warned, ‘our findings that women had higher initial cognitive scores indicate that respondents and clinicians may not see a significant cognitive decline in women until major loss and impairment occur. . ‘
The full results of the study were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? ISLAND KILLER TAKING OVERWHELMING
Depression is a shadow term used to describe a range of brain problems.
CONCERN GLOBAL
Depression is a colloquial term used to describe a range of progressive brain disorders (those that affect the brain) that affect memory, thinking, and behavior.
There are many types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease.
Some people may have a combination of dementia.
Whatever type is diagnosed, everyone will experience depression in their own unique way.
Depression is a global concern but is most commonly seen in richer countries, where people tend to live into old age.
HOW GOOD HAS PEOPLE DONE?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, and that over 500,000 of them have Alzheimer’s.
The number of people with dementia in the UK is estimated to rise by over 2025 to over 1 million.
In the US, an estimated 5.5 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, there is a risk of becoming depressed.
Diagnosis rates are improving but it is thought that many people with dementia remain undiagnosed.
Is there a CURE?
There is currently no cure for depression.
But new drugs can make progress slower and as soon as it is seen it is the most effective remedies.
Source: Alzheimer’s Society