New Research Explains Why Alzheimer's Disease Affects Women More Severely Than Men

The road to dementia may not look the same for women and men. A major new study suggests women are more vulnerable to the cognitive effects of several common dementia risk factors, potentially helping explain why they account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease cases in the United States.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine analyzed health and cognitive data from more than 17,000 middle-aged and older adults. Their findings, published in the journal Biology of Sex Differences, showed that certain modifiable health conditions had a stronger impact on women’s cognitive function than on men’s.

The study examined 13 established dementia risk factors, including depression, physical inactivity, obesity, hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep problems. Scientists found that women were more likely to experience depression, inactivity, and sleep difficulties, while men showed higher rates of hearing loss, diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Researchers found that conditions tied to cardiovascular and metabolic health — especially high blood pressure and elevated body mass index — were associated with steeper declines in cognition among women. Hearing loss and diabetes, although more common in men, were also linked to poorer cognitive performance more strongly in women.

The researchers believe hormonal influences, genetic differences, and social factors may all contribute to these sex-based differences, though more research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved fully.

The findings support growing interest in personalized dementia prevention strategies. Scientists say women may particularly benefit from early management of cardiovascular health, physical activity, depression, and untreated hypertension.

Researchers hope the study will encourage more targeted prevention efforts aimed at reducing dementia risk before cognitive decline begins, especially among women who face the highest overall burden of Alzheimer’s disease.

REFERENCE: Megan C. Fitzhugh, Judy Pa. Sex differences in modifiable risk factors of dementia and their associations with cognition. Biology of Sex Differences, 2026; 17 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s13293-026-00908-7