Scientists discover why Alzheimer's risk hits women so much harder

Women experience higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and research indicates they may be more strongly affected by several common dementia risk factors. Analysis of data from more than 17,000 middle aged and older adults found that some modifiable risk factors influence women’s cognition more than men’s. The findings suggest prevention efforts may need tailoring based on how strongly each risk factor affects cognition in women versus men, not only on how common the risk factors are. Women account for nearly two thirds of Alzheimer’s cases in the United States, and longer lifespan alone does not fully explain the gap. The study examined 13 established dementia risk factors and linked them to cognitive outcomes.

"“Looking beyond which risk factors are most common, we found that some have a disproportionately larger impact on women's cognition,” said Megan Fitzhugh, PhD, assistant professor of neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine and first author of the study. “This suggests that prevention efforts may be more effective if they are tailored not just to risk factor prevalence, but to how strongly each factor affects cognition in women versus men.”"

"Scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine analyzed data from more than 17,000 middle aged and older adults and found that certain modifiable dementia risk factors appear to have a greater impact on women's cognitive function than men's. The findings were published May 19, 2026, in Biology of Sex Differences."

"Women not only face higher rates of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, but new research suggests they may also be more strongly affected by several common risk factors linked to cognitive decline. Researchers say the findings could help explain why women account for nearly two thirds of Alzheimer's cases in the United States."

"For the new study, Fitzhugh and senior author Judy Pa, PhD, professor of neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine, examined 13 established dementia risk factors using"

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