Differences in Development

Alzheimer’s develops in men at a younger age compared to women. Men can begin experiencing early-onset Alzheimer’s in their 60s, whereas women don’t typically encounter the disease until their 70s, 80s, and even their 90s. Therefore, family caregivers and doctors aren’t looking for symptoms associated with the disease at this earlier age. Instead, they tie the symptoms to other age-related health conditions.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

Lack of Warning Signs

Men experience changes in their behavior, including their mobility and language skills. As the disease sets in, the symptoms become less obvious to doctors. Men don’t always encounter the most notable factor of Alzheimer’s disease, which is memory loss. Family members are less likely to believe their father has the disease if his memory is still intact. Keep in mind there’s no blood test or imaging examination that can diagnose this disease. Instead, doctors rely on symptoms to diagnose Alzheimer’s. 

Swifter Progression 

Alzheimer’s disease affects men faster than it affects women. With females, it takes longer for Alzheimer’s to attack the brain’s cortex. The disease takes over the brain and targets the hippocampus in men faster than it does with women. This causes more men to die from Alzheimer’s disease without being properly diagnosed.

No Guaranteed Testing Methods

Doctors can’t accurately test for Alzheimer’s disease until after a person has died, when they can use a microscope to closely monitor the brain. Since doctors cannot test for Alzheimer’s disease, they look for similar symptoms of conditions they can test for. For example, Alzheimer’s disease could cause your loved one to lose physical functionality during the day and night, which could make him or her feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and groggy. However, these symptoms are also associated with skin infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. If your loved one has one of these infections, his or her doctor may rule out Alzheimer’s disease even though the disease may have begun to develop.

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Home Care San Diego agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Lack of Doctor Visits 

It’s important for senior men to see their family doctors multiple times a year. Failing to do so could lead to a misdiagnosis or allow cognitive decline to happen at a faster rate. Lack of doctor visits is one of the reasons men are harder to diagnose with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Women typically visit their doctors on a regular basis, even if they’re not injured or living with illnesses. However, men generally wait until they’re ill to go visit their family doctors. To maintain good health and prevent Alzheimer’s disease from progressing at a faster rate, your loved one should visit his doctor to receive a diagnosis as well as a good treatment plan. 

The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. San Diego Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at 858-667-0813.