Women have twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with men. However, they remain underrepresented in clinical trials and are more likely to assume the role of caregiver for people affected by the disease. This reality highlights the need to incorporate a gender perspective into both research and the overall approach to Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease has a particularly strong impact on women. From the age of 55, prevalence reaches 7.1% in women compared with 3.3% in men, meaning that women have approximately double the risk of developing the disease.
Despite representing the majority of cases, women do not participate equally in Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Another important factor adds to this situation: caregiving responsibilities for people with dementia are predominantly carried out by women.
“The data are clear: Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects women. Recognizing their role is essential to move toward fairer research and a genuine gender perspective,” says Dr. Mercè Boada, medical co-director of Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona.
Biological and social factors
The higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in women is linked to a combination of biological and social factors.
Among them are hormonal changes associated with menopause. The decline in estrogen levels has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, as it may make the brain more vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Certain genetic profiles and educational level may also play a role. In Spain, many women from previous generations did not have access to basic education, a factor that has been associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Lower representation in clinical trials
Although women represent the majority of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, their participation in clinical trials remains lower.
Research conducted by Ace shows that women are 26% less likely to be selected for clinical studies.
Neurologist Maitée Rosende-Roca, author of a study on this issue, highlights the need to adapt assessment tools: “Improving diagnostic tools so that they are sensitive to educational level is essential to ensure greater representation of women in clinical trials.”
Patients and caregivers
The impact of Alzheimer’s disease on women goes beyond disease prevalence. Women are also the primary caregivers for people living with dementia.
According to studies conducted by the Social Work team at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, two out of three caregivers are women. We have observed that 73% of participants in caregiver workshops and support groups are women, reflecting the fact that they continue to take on the majority of this responsibility.
This means that when a man develops dementia, the main caregiver is most often his wife, daughter, or daughter-in-law rather than his son.
This situation has direct consequences for the professional development, economic stability, and emotional health of many women.
“Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is a long and complex process. Recognizing and valuing the essential role of caregivers is therefore crucial, as they sustain an indispensable task every single day,” concludes Mercè Boada.
