Dementia risk may affect women’s cognition more strongly

Dementia is more prevalent in females than in males. In the United States, women account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease , the most common form of dementia.

Previously, researchers suggested this discrepancy may be due to women living longer, with increasing age being the strongest known risk factor for dementia. However, growing evidence suggests that sex differences may influence both the development and progression of dementia.

Notably, hormonal changes, genetics, healthcare disparities, and social determinants of health could all contribute to the unequal burden of dementia among women. Additionally, women may respond differently to certain risk factors across their life span.

Now, a new study from researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine suggests that women may experience stronger cognitive effects from several modifiable dementia risk factors than men, even when those risks are less common overall. Published in Biology of Sex Differences , the findings support tailored dementia prevention strategies that target the specific modifiable risk factors most applicable to each individual.