Menopause As A Window For Intervention - Alzheimer’s Develops Earlier In Women Than It Does In Men (We Should Have Known This Sooner)

Women's worth does not decrease with age, and the more we learn about women's health, the stronger and healthier we will be.

Before 1993, clinical studies were not required to include women. In fact, they usually specifically excluded them. If this hadn't been the case, we probably would have discovered that Alzheimer's develops in women decades earlier than it does in men. We most likely would have learned of the correlation between menopause and the onset of brain changes well before 2017. We would have learned that women are socially conditioned to mask their symptoms and typically suffer from the condition long before they are diagnosed. And if those things had been discovered sooner, I might still have my mom. We might have avoided countless arguments, we might not have drifted apart and we might have had the opportunity to prevent her Alzheimer's from developing at all.

Hormonal Changes and the Brain

We are finally starting to understand how menopause impacts brain health. During this phase of life, a woman’s body undergoes dramatic hormonal shifts, including a steep decline in estrogen and progesterone—hormones that do much more than regulate reproduction. They’re also vital for maintaining brain function.

This drop in estrogen can lead to changes in brain metabolism and structure, making it more susceptible to Alzheimer’s-related changes. Research has shown that women in midlife may have more amyloid plaques (proteins tied to Alzheimer’s), lower brain energy metabolism, and even greater brain shrinkage than men of the same age.

Understanding this connection doesn’t just explain why women are at higher risk—it also gives us an opportunity to start thinking about menopause as a window for intervention, not just an unavoidable stage of life.

The Cost of Masking Symptoms

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this story is how often women go untreated for years because they’ve been conditioned to “keep it together.” Women are masters of multitasking and problem-solving, often finding clever ways to work around symptoms like forgetfulness or confusion.

This ability to mask symptoms can delay diagnosis, leaving women without the care they need during critical early stages of the disease. For me, this understanding opened a well of compassion for my mom and also motivated me to bring awareness to this finding, so we can all find compassion for those that have been struggling in silence.

What We Can Do

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that knowledge is power. Here are a few steps women can take to prioritize brain health:

• Be Proactive: If you notice changes in memory, thinking, or behavior, don’t dismiss them. Talk to your social circle and your doctor, push for regular cognitive testing and as thorough of an evaluation as you feel necessary.
  

• Take Care of Your Body: get 15 minutes a day of light exercise, eat a brain-healthy diet, avoid sugars and refined carbs, refrain from smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
  

• Understand Hormonal Health: Menopause is a pivotal time for brain health. Do your own research and discuss options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your healthcare provider to see what’s right for you.
  

• Have the Conversation: Share this information with the women in your life. Early awareness can make all the difference. And early understanding can improve relationships.

Why This Matters

This new research is more than a scientific breakthrough—it’s a call to compassion. By recognizing how Alzheimer’s uniquely affects women, we can shift the narrative from shame and blame to one of empathy and action. In doing so, we can create a future where women’s health—and brain health—is given the attention it has always deserved.

About The Author:

Shawnee Canjura is the owner of The Dementia Doula, a coaching service for caretakers and loved ones of people with dementia. She began this work after being the full-time, unpaid caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016. What started out as the "worst experience of her life" eventually became the most positive and transformative experience of her life. She offers individual and group sessions to help clients get past the headaches and the heartaches of Alzheimer's care as quickly as possible, so they can experience the joyful and meaningful lessons that this experience has to offer.