Local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association notes the impact of the disease on females this International Women’s Day

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Today, on International Women's Day, the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the achievements of women who are changing the world. They also recognize the disproportionate impact Alzheimer’s disease has on women. Nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. In fact, a woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 65 is 1 in 5.

In addition to their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another dementia, women are also at the center of the Alzheimer’s disease crisis because the responsibility of caring for someone living with dementia often falls to women. Research shows more than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women. Women caregivers also experience higher levels of depression and impaired health than men, and 19 percent have had to quit work to become a caregiver or because they struggled to balance caregiving with their jobs.

The Alzheimer’s Association works tirelessly to support women's health through efforts to advance Alzheimer’s research and provide crucial care and support to those impacted by the disease, such as their free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), staffed with Master’s-level clinicians, who are there to provide much-needed care and support to caregivers and people living with Alzheimer’s; ALZ Connected, an online community where anyone impacted by Alzheimer’s can share concerns and offer support so that no one has to feel alone; and the association’s Community Resource Finder, to help find programs, events, and community services.

“This International Women’s Day, as we recognize the women impacted by Alzheimer's, I thank you for your commitment to our fight against this disease,” said Donna McCullough, Chief Operating Officer of Alzheimer’s Association.