Study: Gender Can Make A Difference In Diagnosis Of Alzheimer's Disease

DETROIT (WWJ) - New research putting the spotlight on differences between the sexes when it comes to Alzheimer's disease.

Among the 5.2 million Americans age 65 or older with Alzheimer's disease, nearly two-thirds are women reports Dr. Deanna Lites.

This may be because men don't show the same symptoms so they're often misdiagnosed.

Dr. Bruno Giordani with the University of Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center says that there are gender differences in the way men and women present symptoms.

"If you are looking primarily for memory problems - it could be that men don't present that way - they may show more language problems - they may show more visual, spacial problems," said Giordani.

There also appears to be differences when it comes to the age of onset. More men are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in their early 60's while women generally develop it in their 70's, 80's and 90's.

Looking for more information about Alzheimer's disease and care: Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center's contact number: 734-936-8803, and the Healthier Black Elders Center (HBEC): 313-664-2604.

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