Older women in medicine: Why their health finally needs to be the focus

Older women in medicine: Why their health finally needs to be the focus

The disadvantage of older women in medical research not only impacts their health, but also raises fundamental questions about equal treatment in our healthcare system.

Overview of the problem

Women are often not taken into account in medical research as much as they should be. Older women in particular face significant disadvantages when it comes to the effectiveness of medications and the treatment they receive. This discrepancy is not just an individual problem, but has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole.

An alarming example

A clear case is the Alzheimer's drug Leqembi, whose effect on women is significantly less than on men. The FDA confirmed a 27 percent slowing of cognitive decline, but a separate analysis shows that this effect is only 12 percent distributed in women. Given that nearly two-thirds of older adults with Alzheimer's are women, the disparity in research is particularly concerning.

Women's health care

Not only are older women more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, they also suffer from higher rates of diseases such as high blood pressure, depression and autoimmune diseases. However, their treatment is often questioned. Martha Gulati, a leading cardiologist, explains that access to treatment for heart disease after menopause is often inadequate. This is not only a medical challenge but also a societal challenge as it affects many women.

Mental health and stress factors

The mental health of older women is another critical issue. Studies show that hormonal changes as well as social stressors, such as discrimination or financial stress, play a crucial role in susceptibility to anxiety and depression. Research urgently needs to focus on how non-invasive stress management strategies, such as yoga and meditation, can help older women.

Strategies for Improving Health Research

It is essential that medical research takes gender-specific age data into account. The researchers and doctors are calling on governments and institutions to develop clear guidelines that meet the specific needs of older women. In this way, both services and treatment approaches can be improved to meet the diverse needs of this population.

conclusion

The lack of consideration of the needs of older women in healthcare is not only a medical problem, but also a social problem. It's time for research to concretely show how older women can be better treated. Only through comprehensive consideration can we ensure that women receive the quality health care they need and deserve.

The challenges in medical research and health care must be urgently addressed, not only for the benefit of older women, but for the entire society, which bears responsibility for their health and well-being.