Women in the UK are significantly more likely to be affected by dementia then men, a report by Alzheimer's Disease International has found.
The report, Women and Dementia, found that 61% of the estimated 800,000 people in the UK with dementia were women. The condition is the largest cause of mortality in women, causing 31,850 deaths in 2013, more than cardiovascular conditions, strokes or common forms of cancer. The report attributes this to women generally having a longer life expectancy than men, as women over 60 are twice as likely to develop dementia as breast cancer.
Female family members of patients with dementia are also disproportionately affected by the condition, with between 60 and 70% of unpaid carers for people with the condition being women.
Dr Nori Graham, honorary vice president of Alzheimer's Disease International, said: 'There is a marked gender imbalance in dementia care and the contribution of women is taken for granted. In the UK, we must raise the status of women in caring roles by providing carers with individualised specialist help from experts in the field on an ongoing basis and ensuring that they are more adequately rewarded and recognised.'
To address the disparity highlighted in the report, experts have suggested that there must be a greater emphasis on offering dementia patients personalised care, with more understanding of how to manage both the physical and psychological impact of the condition.
Vivien Ziwocha, a dementia specialist nurse, said that it was important to tailor dementia care to each patient, suggesting that: 'Little things can make a big difference in dementia care, for example if a woman has a favourite handbag and is anxious when away from it, simply putting it somewhere close by her can help emotionally.'
Another area of concern raised in the report was the lack of attention given to LGBTQ+ patients who experience dementia. It states that there is little information about how a patient's sexuality can affect the experience of the care they are provided with.
Ms Ziwocha added: 'One size does not fit all when it comes to dementia care, yet flexible care tailored to a person's medical, psychological and social needs can help improve wellbeing and quality of life so they can continue to enjoy what matters to them.'