More than three in four women ages 55 to 75 haven’t seen a gynecologist in the past year, according to a new Cleveland Clinic report, even though menopause can affect everything from heart and bone health to brain function. The same survey found that only 19% of women knew women face a higher lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, despite women accounting for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases. Physicians say those knowledge gaps could delay preventive care at a stage of life when routine screenings and early intervention matter most.
“I want women at midlife and beyond to really prioritize themselves,” said Dr. Pelin Batur. “How you assess your risk factors during this phase of life really determines whether you’re going to transition into later life in a state of disease or a state of wellness.”
