Last month, a publication in Nature Reviews Neurology addressed persistent shortcomings in current Alzheimer’s research and care. Led by the Women’s Brain Foundation (WBF) in Basel (Switzerland), the article outlines long-occurring research disparities while studying Alzheimer’s disease, which disproportionately affects women. Despite the risk of Alzheimer’s disease being higher in women, current studies do not account for biological and social gender differences that may be crucial for improved research and clinical care. The study was carried out by a multidisciplinary team from international healthcare, academic and policy institutions. Their comprehensive review analysed multiple studies with underrepresented factors in Alzheimer’s research regarding sex and gender. Their findings stress the importance of integrating sex and gender variables into every stage of Alzheimer’s care and scientific study. Biological sex influences brain pathology and response to treatment, while gender roles affect diagnosis, care experiences, and access to support—factors critical to developing effective, personalised interventions. Gender-influenced factors, such as hormones, cognitive reserve, caregiving roles, and mental health, play a central role in how the condition progresses across populations.
To advance clinical practice and research, the key recommendations include:
• Integrating sex and gender into all aspects of research, including brain pathology
• Identifying potential differences in disease progression and treatment responses related to sex and gender
• Investigating sex-specific biomarkers for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
• Developing tailored treatments reflecting sex and gender differences in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
• Embracing precision medicine using individual sex and gender profiles for prevention and treatment strategies.
• Leveraging digital health tools attuned to sex and gender for cognitive monitoring.
• Ensuring diverse participant recruitment across sex, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Improving the quality of sex-specific research could significantly enhance treatment outcomes. By understanding how sex and gender factors significantly influence how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed and treated, there is potential for developing emerging treatments with different efficacies for men and women. It could also improve early detection and diagnosis, support caregivers and families more effectively and help create a fairer, more comprehensive healthcare systems worldwide. Ultimately, the study calls for a shift in public health policy, research funding, and clinical training to ensure that sex and gender are not overlooked. This approach aims to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease for all individuals, leading to more effective and inclusive care globally. For the full list of WBF collaborators and to learn more about this study, please visit:
