Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of death in Australia, disproportionately affects women. In a bid to uncover the reasons behind this imbalance, an international research project involving an Australian expert has received a $4 million funding boost. Professor Kaarin Anstey, director of the University of New South Wales’s Ageing Futures Institute, alongside Professor Kristine Yaffe from the University of California, has been awarded the funds to explore this critical health issue.
Professor Anstey emphasizes that much of the research conducted on Alzheimer’s, the most prevalent form of dementia, has not adequately considered “sex-specific factors.” She noted, “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.”
Exploring the Gender Disparity in Alzheimer’s
According to Professor Anstey, whose research is supported by the U.S.-based charity Wellcome Leap, there are notable differences in brain structures between men and women that may contribute to the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s among women. However, the exact reasons behind this “imbalance” remain unclear, partly due to insufficient data on non-binary or transgender individuals.
Statistics often fail to account for sex differences, treating men and women as biologically identical despite significant disparities in Alzheimer’s risk factors. Anstey’s future studies aim to address this oversight by prioritizing the reduction of dementia risk and cognitive decline, while ensuring that women’s health issues receive the attention they deserve.
Understanding How Alzheimer’s Affects Men and Women Differently
Associate Professor Fiona Kumfor from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre highlights the importance of researching sex differences in Alzheimer’s experiences. “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 said.
Women tend to live longer than men, resulting in a higher number of women living with Alzheimer’s. Additionally, women are more frequently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while men are at greater risk of other dementia types, such as frontotemporal and vascular dementia.
Identifying Risk Factors for Dementia
Professor Anstey stresses the importance of examining modifiable risk factors to improve health outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients. The Lancet, a leading medical journal, identifies 14 modifiable risk factors that could potentially prevent or delay nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide. These include mid-life factors such as hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, social isolation, and depression.
Managing these risk factors, particularly in the early and middle stages of life, could potentially prevent or delay dementia cases by 45 per cent, according to research published in 2024.
While some academics commend The Lancet study, they caution against conclusively linking these risk factors directly to dementia without further evidence.
Diagnosis and Prevention: The Path Forward
Professor Scott Ayton from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health acknowledges the global challenge of diagnosing Alzheimer’s. However, recent research indicates a more than 90 percent success rate in diagnosing Alzheimer’s through blood-based biomarkers.
Kumfor adds that while most Alzheimer’s cases begin with memory changes, some individuals experience early symptoms in language, navigation, planning, or behavior, complicating diagnosis, especially in younger patients under 65.
Despite diagnostic challenges, preventing the progression of symptoms remains a priority. In Australia, two drugs, donanemab and lecanemab, offer hope for those experiencing cognitive decline. However, Ayton emphasizes the need for further research to assess these medications’ impact.
“What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” Ayton noted, highlighting the benefits of exercise, heart health, and diet in preventing Alzheimer’s.
Addressing health concerns early, such as managing hypertension, is crucial for better outcomes. Kumfor advises that early discussions with psychologists and lawyers can help Alzheimer’s patients prepare for long-term challenges as the disease progresses.
As research continues, the focus remains on understanding the gender disparities in Alzheimer’s and developing effective interventions to prevent and manage this debilitating disease.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers are advised to consult a qualified health professional for guidance specific to their situation.
