autoimmune disoRdeRs aRe moRe common in women

The last piece of the puzzle is that women are about twice as likely to have an autoimmune disease compared to men. The reason for this difference is not entirely clear, but it is clear that the immune system is generally stronger in women than men, and many autoimmune diseases are more common during pregnancy. It may be that women’s stronger immune system developed through evolution to protect the fetus from infections. So, as part of their stronger immune systems, women may end up having more amyloid plaques than men.

putting tHe pieces togetHeR

By combining all of this information, one possible explanation as to why women’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease is greater than men’s — in addition to women living longer — is:

• The amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease may be part of the brain’s immune system to fight against infections.

• Women have stronger immune systems than men.

• As part of their stronger immune systems, women may end up having more amyloid plaques than men.

• Because they may have more amyloid plaques than men, this theory may explain why women end up having a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Please note the italicized words “may” that I have used. Although the ideas I have presented here are logical, coherent, and form the basis of a good theory, they have not yet been proven to be correct. More research is needed!

tHe bottom Line

You are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease over your lifetime if you are a woman, because women live longer than men and, possibly, because women have stronger immune systems compared to men.

Does that mean that if you’re a woman, you’re more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and there’s nothing you can do about it? Not at all! You can do many things to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s today.

• Engage in aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming or aerobic classes at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week.

• Eat a Mediterranean menu of foods including fish, olive oil, avocados, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains and poultry. Eat other foods sparingly.

• Sleep well — and clean those Alzheimer’s plaques out of your brain.

• Participate in social activities and novel, cognitively stimulating activities.

Andrew E. Budson, M.D., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications.