Women’s check-ups neglect brain health

Midlife women are eager to take charge of their cognitive health, but a serious communication gap with doctors stands in their way. A new national Harris Poll survey released by HealthyWomen finds that 90% of women between the ages of 45 and 64 are open to a simple blood test to screen for early-stage Alzheimer’s, but only 9% say their health care providers initiate conversations about brain health. Women account for two-third of all Alzheimer’s diagnoses, but only 13% are aware that FDA-approved blood tests are available. “For too long, conversations about Alzheimer’s have been shaped by stigma and fear,” HealthyWomen CEO Beth Battaglino says. “Women are ready and in need of a different conversation with their providers.”