Fact 7. The Impact of Age and Gender on Life Expectancy with Dementia: A Demographic Perspective
When exploring the influence of demographic factors on life expectancy with dementia, age and gender hold significant sway. The age at which an individual is diagnosed with dementia plays a substantial role in defining their life expectancy.
The younger the person is at the time of diagnosis, the longer their life expectancy tends to be. This stems from the overall health, vitality, and resilience often associated with younger individuals, affording them a better capacity to manage and cope with the disease’s challenges.
Older adults, diagnosed at a more advanced age, might face a different prognosis. As age advances, individuals often grapple with multiple health conditions.
This layered health scenario can complicate the management of dementia, and by extension, impact life expectancy. While a person’s age can provide a general expectancy outlook, it’s important to remember that each dementia journey is personal and unique, with various factors influencing its progression and outcome.
The role of gender in determining life expectancy with dementia adds another layer of complexity. Intriguingly, studies indicate a longer life expectancy for women diagnosed with dementia compared to men.
The reasons behind this gender disparity in dementia prognosis aren’t fully understood and remain under active research. However, it’s believed to be a complex interplay of biological, social, and lifestyle factors. (7)
