ICYMI: Researchers seek answers to Alzheimer's gender disparity

More than 500,000 Floridians are living with Alzheimer's disease — the sixth-leading cause of death in the country. This degenerative disease destroys the brain by killing nerve cells and tissues until all functions are affected.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans with the disease are women according to the Alzheimer's Association, while 13 million women are suffering or caring for someone with Alzheimer's, making the disease not only a public health crisis, but also a woman's issue.

At the age of 65, women without Alzheimer's have more than a one in six chance of developing the disease compared with a one in 11 chance for men. Scientists are starting to question why this trend is occurring and rejecting the conclusion that it is because women have a longer life expectancy.

Recently, the Alzheimer's Association brought together 15 leading scientists to identify what is known about women's risks. The association plans to begin funding research to address some of the gaps brought to light by these scientists and to help figure out why woman are more affected.

Movies like "Still Alice" have increased public awareness for Alzheimer's, but we need to do more to educate our population on the toll it has on women. We must communicate with our elected officials and urge them to support an increase in federal funding. We also need to push them to pass comprehensive care planning legislation to address the current gaps in the system. …

I am optimistic about the future. Congress is finally recognizing the toll Alzheimer's is having on our country. Recent actions such as approving $300 million and $350 million in House and Senate funding, respectively, for additional research and the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in the House prove that there is hope. …

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