There’s something quietly unfair about Alzheimer’s and women. Studies consistently show that women are more likely to develop the disease, and often earlier than men. Yet, despite this, conversations about women’s mental health rarely get the attention they deserve. It’s almost as if it’s easier to focus on the statistics than the lived reality, the subtle memory lapses, the early anxiety, the creeping confusion that friends and family might dismiss as stress or aging.“Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with a high prevalence among the aging population. It is a dreadful disease which can affect anyone beyond the age of 65 years. The disease does not develop in a few days or months, the symptoms are noted over 6 months to a year. Generally, patients start with forgetfulness of recent memory like – recent conversations, events, what they have eaten. This slowly increases to judgement problems, difficulty in multi-tasking, recognition issues. They may also have behavioral changes and language issues,” Dr. Arun Shah, Director, Neurosciences, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital told TOI Health. “Women are more likely to be affected with Alzheimer’s as they are likely to live longer than their male counter-parts, have hormonal changes during menopause which reduces neuroprotection, sociocultural factors like lower educational opportunities for women, they are more likely to be carriers of the APOE4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.”
“As Alzheimer’s disease emerges as a major cause of disability globally, demand for low-cost and pragmatic interventions becomes imperative, in the case of women in low-income areas where older-age mental health tends to go neglected,” Dr. Sachin Adukia, Senior Consultant Neurologist and International Award winning Researcher; Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai told TOI Health.
Can omega 3 protect the brain?
“Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are important for brain health and function, supporting neurotransmitter release, and brain membrane health. These fatty acids give structural support to the brain cell membranes which helps improve its functioning. The deficiency of these fats are linked with increased risks of neurological conditions like autism, ADHD, dementia, depression. Approximately 50-60% of brain weight is made of lipids, of which 35% consists of omega-3 PUFAs. DHA accounts for more than 40% of total omega-3 PUFAs in brain tissue, especially in the gray matter of the brain. Omega-3 promotes cognition, neuronal preservation, and protection against neurodegeneration. Neurotransmission is influenced by changing brain membrane fluidity and increasing neurotransmitter release,” explains Dr. Arun Shah.Adding to this, Dr. Sachin Adukia says, “Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which are found in oily fish and also come in supplement form, are believed to promote brain function. Studies consistently link greater consumption or blood concentration of omega-3s with reduced cognitive deterioration. Their benefit seems most important in prevention or in the mild cognitive impairment phase, not in definite disease. As vascular disease exacerbates dementia, the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3s contribute to their utility. Even the clinical trials have described significant decreases in cardiovascular complications in high-risk patients already on statins.”
Why developing country women are worth attention
Dr. Sachin Adukia says, “older women in low-resource countries have several obstacles to receive care, financial reliance, cultural prejudices, and fragmented access to specialists all inhibit early diagnosis and treatment. Nutrition-directed approaches, such as counselling, community diets with a high content of omega-3s, and low-cost supplements provided through primary care, may be viable weapons. But these measures need to be backed by screening interventions, caregiver support, and public funding. There is also emerging evidence that women with Alzheimer’s can have lower circulating levels of omega fatty acids, further emphasizing the importance of sex-specific research.”“Omega-3 fatty acids have some justification as part of a “food-first” prevention strategy, with further potential for reducing postprandial vascular risk when incorporated in the appropriate form and under medical guidance. For women in developing countries, such dietary interventions could provide affordable, effective assistance — but need to be placed within more comprehensive strategies: enhanced screening, gender-targeted health care, caregiver support, and locally applicable research to turn promise into quantifiable public good,” he adds.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr. Arun Shah, Director, Neurosciences, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation HospitalDr. Sachin Adukia, Senior Consultant Neurologist and International Award winning Researcher; Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai Inputs were used to explain the gender role in Alzheimer’s disease, why women are more vulnerable, and how omega 3 can help.
