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Understanding the differences between men and women in their risk of dementia could help scientists develop better treatments. In this blog, we explore these differences and the gaps in research that need to be addressed to fully understand them.
Yes. Women face a greater lifetime risk of developing dementia. The primary reason for this is that women generally live longer than men, and age is the biggest risk factor for dementia. However, there are also biological and lifestyle factors that contribute to this difference.
Women are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, compared to men. However, other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia, are more common in men. Some studies suggest that women over 80 may have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s than men of the same age, while others find no significant difference. This uncertainty indicates that multiple factors, including sex-specific risk elements, play a role.
Throughout their lives, women experience biological and social differences that may contribute to dementia risk. These include hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause) as well as historical disparities in education, occupation, and lifestyle opportunities.
One important factor is genetics. The ApoE4 gene variant is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. While men and women are equally likely to carry this gene, studies suggest that it increases dementia risk more in women than in men. This highlights the importance of considering sex-specific responses when developing new treatments.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another dementia risk factor that may differ between sexes. Women appear to be more vulnerable to concussions and their long-term effects. This has led to calls for greater concussion prevention efforts, particularly in women’s sports such as football and rugby.
One of the most significant biological differences between men and women is menopause, which involves a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone levels in late middle age. Estrogen has protective effects on brain health, and some researchers suggest that longer exposure to estrogen (starting menstruation earlier, having pregnancies, or experiencing menopause later) may lower dementia risk. Conversely, early menopause due to surgical treatments may increase risk.
Since dementia-related diseases begin developing in the brain 10-20 years before symptoms appear, menopause could play a key role in triggering these processes. However, research on menopause and dementia is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.
HRT, which replaces estrogen and progesterone lost during menopause, has been studied for its impact on dementia risk. Early concerns suggested that HRT might increase dementia risk, but more recent research suggests it may have no effect or even offer some protection. Advances in HRT have made it safer and more effective, but further studies are needed to determine its potential benefits for brain health.
Despite the known differences in dementia risk between men and women, most research studies have not been designed to analyze these differences. Historically, dementia experiments using animals have primarily focused on males, and early-phase clinical trials often excluded women to control for variables such as pregnancy risks. As a result, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how dementia develops differently in women.
Fortunately, researchers are beginning to prioritize sex differences in dementia studies, but there is still a long way to go. Increased awareness and targeted research will be essential in developing more effective treatments for all individuals affected by dementia.
To explore the latest research on dementia and other critical topics in mental health, join us at the 42nd International Conference on Advances in Psychiatry and Mental Health, taking place on November 10-11, 2025, in Dubai. This event will bring together leading experts to discuss innovations in dementia research, mental health treatments, and personalized medicine approaches.
Stay informed and be part of the conversation about dementia and mental health by attending this essential conference.
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Source: Adapted from www.alzheimers.org.uk. Some content has been modified for clarity and readability.
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