Women with memory problems experience faster cognitive decline than in men

Women with memory problems could experience faster rates of cognitive decline than men, a new study has found.

The first study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Washington, found that women with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) showed a rate of cognitive decline twice as fast as men with MCI, with women also found to be more susceptible to developing dementia after surgery.

Dr Brown, director of research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Considerably more women develop dementia in the Western world than men and this is not just because they live longer.

“This new research shows that women with memory problems experience faster rates of cognitive decline than men and are also more susceptible to developing dementia after surgery. Researchers are in the dark as to why this is - we still have a long way to go to unravel all the complex causes of dementia.”

In the second study it was identified by researchers that women were at a higher risk of long-term cognitive and functional problems following surgery with general anaesthesia. The study involved a total of 527 participants, of which 182 people underwent a total of 331 procedures under general anaesthesia.

Alzheimer’s Society statistics reveal that 500,000 women in the UK are living with dementia and are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than breast cancer, once aged 60 and over.

Dr Brown added: “Future research to understand why these gender differences exist could help us develop and tailor treatments for men and women with the condition.”