But one aspect of this debilitating disease is only just beginning to register: Alzheimer's disproportionately affects women. Early this month, an important new global study on Women and Dementia was released. The findings are significant and clear: Women are at higher risk for developing dementia and comprise the lion's share of dementia caregivers. With the duration of the disease and the lack of any real treatment, the impact on women who are poor or middle class is even more devastating.
