Neurodegenerative Diseases in Women: A Growing Concern - article
Neurodegenerative Diseases in Women: A Growing Concern
Written by Zainab AlThawab
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, have significantly affected more women than men, as they are more common among women. The reasons behind this disparity have raised significant concern. Although people may assume that neurodegenerative diseases may occur in men more than women as research shows that women live longer on average than men, this surprisingly is not the case. Women’s increased vulnerability to these conditions has become an important issue in medical research, emphasizing on the need to understand these diseases is crucial in developing effective prevention strategies, treatments, and support systems for women who have been diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases in both our present and future.
people of their ability to think, learn, and remember, and eventually erases their sense of self. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide. Studies show that two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s are women, showing that Alzheimer's disease is almost twice as common in women compared to men. The risk for women increases as they age. In fact,
your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease late in life are greater if you are a woman than a man.
Recent studies have identified factors that might explain the significant gender gap. One key factor is hormonal changes. Estrogen, which has neuroprotective effects–aimed at preserving neuronal function–declines significantly during menopause–which usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55–leaving women more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. The hormonal transition during menopause could disrupt the brain’s ability to repair itself, increasing the risk of cognitive decline.
Additionally, research shows that genes are the second biggest risk factor for dementia. As nearly two thirds of people with Alzheimer’s disease–the most common types of dementia– have at least one copy of the ApoE4 gene which affects women more than men. Another important factor is the social and cultural environment. Women often bear the responsibility of caregiving responsibilities. These responsibilities can result in added stress and mental strain. Women’s societal roles could also contribute to the faster progression of dementia among women.
Another neurodegenerative disease, although more commonly diagnosed in men, is Parkinson’s disease. Women diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease face unique challenges. Statistics show that men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease than women, but women with the disease tend to experience different symptoms and disease progression. Women with Parkinson’s disease often face more severe non-motor systems, such as depression and anxiety compared to men. Additionally, women are more likely to experience motor complications such as tremors–involuntary quivering moments–, at an early age. Research also suggests that Parkinson’s progresses faster in women than men, possibly due to the interplay between hormonal factors and the way women’s bodies respond to the disease.
Although both men and women are impacted by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, the gender-specific experiences underline the necessity of specialized research and treatment strategies. The emergence and growth of these disorders seem to be significantly influenced by hormonal factors on brain health, especially the impact of estrogen and other sex hormones. For instance, the genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease is present in both men and women, but it seems that women's brains are more susceptible to these risk factors. Women may develop Alzheimer's later in life due to estrogen's protective effects on the brain, but postmenopausal estrogen depletion may make women more vulnerable to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Similarly, hormonal changes also affect the way Parkinson’s disease manifests in women. While men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s overall, women with the disease face faster progression and a different array of symptoms. Gender differences in disease progression, treatment efficacy, and response to medications suggest that more research is needed to understand how neurodegenerative diseases uniquely affect women.
Early adoption of brain-healthy behaviors, such as constant mental stimulation through education and social interaction, a Mediterranean-style diet high in antioxidants, and frequent physical activity, can lower the risk for women. Additionally important are controlling cardiovascular health, obtaining enough sleep, and lowering long-term stress. If initiated at the appropriate time, hormone treatment may provide protective advantages, according to emerging evidence, but it must be used carefully and under physician supervision. Finally, a proactive and customized approach to brain health can help women protect themselves from these debilitating illnesses.
The higher prevalence of Alzheimer's and the unique challenges faced by women with Parkinson’s disease call for more focused research and gender-specific approaches to healthcare. Understanding how hormonal changes, genetic factors, and societal influences contribute to the different experiences of men and women living with neurodegenerative diseases will be key to improving both prevention and treatment strategies. It is essential for healthcare providers, researchers, and policy-makers to recognize the gender-specific nuances in these conditions and develop tailored solutions to address the growing concern of neurodegenerative diseases in women.
Works Cited
"Why Are Women More Likely to Develop Alzheimer's Disease?" Harvard Health Publishing, 20 Jan. 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-women-more-likely-to-develop-alzheimers-disease-202201202672.
"Alzheimer's Disease and Gender Disparities: Two-Thirds of Patients Are Women." Nature Medicine, 2025, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03564-3.
"Statistics on Parkinson's Disease." Parkinson’s Foundation, n.d., https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics.
"Why Dementia Is Different for Women." Alzheimer’s Society, 2024, https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women.
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