Memory Loss in Men: Gender Differences in Memory Loss

The article, “Men's risk for memory loss may exceed women's”, published on the CBC News-Health web site, reveals some interesting research results on memory loss and men. It suggests

“Men may be at higher risk of mild memory loss as they age than women…”

If this is true, then there may be future implications for elderly individuals, couples, their families, communities and countries, as well as global concerns. At the same time, this may be nothing new or different.

Is it going to change the role and responsibility of men and women, as they age? Will it affect their health care, in any way? What about implications with respect to nursing home care availability for men or women, or housing for them?

“Those who were not married or had less education were also more likely to develop memory loss.”

A statement like this with respect to Alzheimer’s disease does not appear surprising. Mental stimulation appears to be a central factor in memory loss and retention, for both males and females.

This particular research project included men and women with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, between the ages of 70 and 89. Dementia was not a factor in this study initially, but a larger number of men than women experienced symptoms later. There was no reference to Alzheimer’s disease in this research either, which was surprising.

Note that gender related studies on memory loss are only in their early stages. While they may have merit and probably will, does it imply serious short or long term sociological implications for the elderly, in conjunction with their gender?

There are a number of important factors to consider with respect to memory loss in men and women. Their mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health status is important when comparing the degree of memory loss between them. So is their basic DNA structure and thus, further genetic research may be indicated.      

Caution is important, too. Not all men or women fit into the same category in terms of research. In other words, with respect to race, creed and culture, there can be distinct similarities and differences that may necessitate extensive research in the field of memory loss. Note that this particular study was on people of European ancestry.

Use of alcohol, nicotine and substance abuse of any kind is an important consideration when comparing memory loss between men and women. Appropriate dietary management and an increased level of physical activity appear to make a difference in terms of preventing memory loss with both genders.      

What men choose to remember or focus on in terms of memory may differ from that of women. This may also vary from year to year in terms of importance, as they age. In other words, the area of testing for men and women with respect to memory loss may need to be different.

One must suggest that the greater the memory bank that has been compiled over a man’s lifetime, the longer it will take to unravel. The same is true of women. In other words, memory loss may be different.

Gender bias in memory loss research could alter results and color conclusions. In other words, men might prefer to sway research in favor of men, while women might sway it in terms of women, even though ethical research methodology should not allow gender bias.  

Another word of caution is in order with respect to drawing conclusions in respect to memory loss in men and women. Globally, the lives and roles of men differ from those of women, and the emphasis placed upon different aspects of memory loss varies considerably, as well. Premature conclusions are possible, but at the same time, any research may reveal an alarming trend. Preventative measures are important. Will they differ with gender?

This time, at least in this study on memory loss, women fared better. That may not happen in the next study depending upon its focus.