A new study by the Women’s Brain Foundation highlights significant sex and gender disparities throughout the stages of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patient journey, from diagnosis to treatment and emotional responses, reports 24brussels.
Conducted through a structured survey of 142 participants, including patients and caregivers in the United States and Germany, the research underlines the need for precision medicine and equitable care in Alzheimer’s treatment.
The findings indicate that women are more frequently diagnosed only after being referred to specialists, unlike men, who typically receive earlier diagnoses.
Moreover, the research reveals that diagnosis times significantly decrease when patients are assessed directly by specialists. The study also notes divergent treatment patterns, with women often receiving non-pharmacological therapies such as reminiscence therapy aimed at enhancing emotional well-being. Women reported heightened anxiety at the onset of the diagnostic process, whereas men exhibited greater emotional distress following a formal diagnosis.
“This study reinforces the urgent need to integrate sex and gender considerations into every stage of Alzheimer’s care, from public awareness to diagnosis and therapy,” said Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha, senior author and CEO of the Women’s Brain Foundation. “Too often, women are misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late, simply because our healthcare systems still operate on outdated, male-centered models. It’s time we redesign healthcare systems with women in mind.”
This research, among the first to analyze sex and gender differences across the Alzheimer’s patient journey using real-world data, received input from Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), a leading patient organization.
“We’re proud to have partnered on this important research with the Women’s Brain Foundation,” said Angela De Martini, Vice President of Charles River Associates. “This study not only advances our understanding of Alzheimer’s and its debilitating progression – it further illuminates the need for more nuanced patient care that accounts for gender.”
Published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging (A&D: BSEA), this study underscores the Women’s Brain Foundation’s dedication to pioneering sex- and gender-sensitive approaches in brain and mental health.
