Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of death in Australia, disproportionately affects women. In a bid to understand this imbalance, an international project involving Australian researcher Professor Kaarin Anstey has received a $4 million funding boost. This initiative, in collaboration with Professor Kristine Yaffe from the University of California, aims to explore the sex-specific factors that may contribute to this disparity.
Professor Anstey, the director of the University of New South Wales’ Ageing Futures Institute, emphasizes that much of the existing research on Alzheimer’s has overlooked these factors. “We hope that by studying hormonal variability and aspects of women’s health that have previously been dismissed, we may uncover clues to explain women’s greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” she stated.
Investigating the Gender Disparity
The project, funded by the US-based charity Wellcome Leap, seeks to delve into the differences in brain structures between men and women. Anstey notes that these differences could potentially explain why women are more prone to Alzheimer’s. However, the lack of sufficient data on non-binary and transgender individuals limits the scope of the study to binary sexes.
The connection between hormonal changes in women and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s remains unclear. Anstey points out that traditional Alzheimer’s statistics often fail to differentiate between sexes, treating men and women as biologically identical despite significant differences in risk factors.
Objectives of the Study
Professor Anstey outlines two primary goals for the research. “Overall, the most urgent priority is to learn how to reduce the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline so that we can develop interventions to prevent it,” she explained. Additionally, she stresses the importance of giving women’s health issues equal consideration in research, alongside other factors like cardiovascular disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A Gendered Experience
Associate Professor Fiona Kumfor from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre highlights the need for more research into how men and women experience Alzheimer’s differently. “There hasn’t been a lot of research examining sex differences, but some evidence suggests that women may have more depressive symptoms and changes in beliefs, such as delusions, whereas men may experience more loss in motivation which can lead to apathy,” she noted.
Given that women generally have a longer life expectancy than men, there is a higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s among women. Kumfor also points out that women are more frequently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while men are at greater risk for other types of dementia, such as frontotemporal and vascular dementia.
Addressing Risk Factors and Prevention
Professor Anstey emphasizes the importance of identifying modifiable risk factors to improve health outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients. “While we know that many risk factors for dementia are modifiable, the effect of each may not be the same in men and women. The more we can understand, the more we can intervene to prevent it,” she said.
The Lancet has identified 14 modifiable risk factors, suggesting that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing these factors.
These mid-life risk factors include hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, social isolation, and depression. Addressing these factors early could potentially prevent or delay up to 45% of dementia cases, according to research published in 2024.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Professor Scott Ayton from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health acknowledges the global challenge of diagnosing Alzheimer’s. However, recent advances show a high success rate in diagnosis through blood-based biomarkers.
Kumfor adds that while memory changes are common initial symptoms, Alzheimer’s can also begin with atypical symptoms such as language or behavioral changes, complicating diagnosis, especially in younger individuals.
Despite these challenges, Ayton highlights the availability of drugs like donanemab and lecanemab in Australia, which may aid in slowing cognitive decline. He also stresses the importance of lifestyle changes, stating, “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.”
Early intervention in managing health concerns, such as hypertension, is crucial for better outcomes. Kumfor advises early consultation with psychologists and legal professionals to prepare for the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s.
As researchers continue to explore the complex dynamics of Alzheimer’s disease, the hope is to develop more effective strategies for prevention and treatment, ultimately reducing the impact of this debilitating condition.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers are advised to consult a qualified health professional for guidance specific to their situation.
