Men vs. Women in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurological diseases do not affect men and women in the same way. Increasingly, research highlights sex-specific differences in incidence, progression, symptoms, and treatment response. Recognizing these distinctions is critical for improving diagnosis, tailoring therapies, and ensuring better quality of life for patients.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Why Women Are at Higher Risk
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, women represent about two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients. At age 45, the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s is estimated at 1 in 5 for women compared with 1 in 10 for men.¹
But incidence is only part of the story. Research published in Biological Psychiatry shows that women may experience faster cognitive decline and more pronounced brain atrophy in specific regions compared with men, even when both are at the same disease stage.²
Several factors are believed to contribute to this disparity:
• Hormonal changes, particularly estrogen loss after menopause, may accelerate cognitive decline.
• The APOE4 gene variant, a known risk factor, appears to affect women more strongly.
• Psychosocial factors, including differences in caregiving roles and life expectancy, also play a role.²
Parkinson’s Disease: More Common in Men, Different in Women
In contrast, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is more common among men. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates that men are 1.5–2 times more likely than women to develop the condition.³
Symptoms, however, show important variations:
• Women are more likely to present with tremor-dominant forms of Parkinson’s.
• Men more often display rigidity and slowness of movement.³
Treatment outcomes also differ. A review in npj Parkinson’s Disease notes that women are at higher risk of levodopa-related dyskinesias and “wearing-off” effects. Pharmacokinetic studies suggest women metabolize levodopa differently, which can make side effects more severe at the same doses.⁴
Additionally, studies in Movement Disorders reveal that women are less likely to undergo advanced therapies such as deep brain stimulation (DBS).⁵
Why These Differences Matter
Sex-specific patterns in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are not just statistics; they shape the lived experiences of patients and should guide how clinicians diagnose and treat neurodegenerative diseases. By factoring in these differences, healthcare systems can move toward personalized neurology — ensuring treatments are more effective, side effects are better managed, and outcomes are improved.
While research into sex-specific neurological health continues, what remains clear is this: understanding the differences between men and women is essential for better care and better lives.
References:
1) https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
2) https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(20)31913-2/abstract
3) https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics
