Women decline mentally much faster than men

At 65, women have a one in six chance of developing Alzheimer's compared to a one in 11 chance for men. Photo / Thinkstock

Women may be at a greater risk from dementia than men according to a new study which suggests they decline mentally at a far faster rate.

Mild cognitive impairment, a forerunner to dementia, appears to affect women at twice the rate as men, according to scientists.

And figures presented at the Alzheimer's Association's Annual Conference in Washington showed around two-thirds of older people living with Alzheimer's disease are women.

Results found that, at 65, women have a one in six chance of developing Alzheimer's compared with a one in 11 chance for men.

Dr Heather Snyder, medical and scientific director at the Alzheimer's Association, said: "There is an urgent need to understand if differences in brain structure, disease progression, and biological characteristics contribute to higher prevalence and rates of cognitive decline."

A study of 398 people, by Duke University in North Carolina, also showed the rate of mental decline was two times faster in women. Katherine Lin, of Duke Medical School, said their findings "point to the possibility of gender-specific or environmental risk factors that influence the speed of the decline".

The first drug that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's if caught early is expected to be unveiled today. Trials have been done on Solanezumab, which appears to stop the disease. The results will be announced by drugs giant Eli Lilly - and, if positive, will be the first drug proven to be effective for treating dementia.