Dementia risk factors may influence cognitive health differently between women and men, according to new research from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine that examined health data from more than 17,000 middle-aged and older adults across the United States. Researchers found that several common conditions linked to dementia showed stronger associations with reduced cognitive performance among women, raising questions about how prevention strategies could be tailored to address sex-specific risks.
The findings come as scientists continue investigating why women account for nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. While women generally live longer than men, researchers have increasingly explored whether biological, social, and lifestyle differences may also contribute to the disparity.
Research Examined Modifiable Conditions Linked to Brain Health
The study analyzed information collected through the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative research project that follows aging adults in the United States. Investigators focused on 13 established dementia risk factors that can potentially be modified through medical treatment, lifestyle changes, or other interventions.
Among the factors evaluated were depression, physical inactivity, smoking, hearing loss, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep problems, and educational attainment. Researchers assessed how these factors were distributed among participants and examined their relationship to cognitive performance.
The analysis revealed notable differences between women and men. Women reported higher rates of depression, physical inactivity, and sleep-related issues. Depression, for example, was reported by 17 percent of women compared with 9 percent of men. Women also had slightly lower average educational attainment, another factor that has been associated with long-term cognitive outcomes.
Men, meanwhile, experienced higher rates of hearing loss, diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption. High blood pressure remained common across both groups, affecting approximately six in ten participants.
The study sought to determine not only how frequently these risk factors occurred but also how strongly they were linked to cognitive function.
Several Health Conditions Showed Stronger Associations Among Women
Researchers found that some cardiovascular and metabolic conditions appeared to have a greater relationship with cognitive decline among female participants.
High blood pressure and elevated body mass index were associated with larger decreases in cognitive performance scores for women than for men. Similar patterns emerged for hearing loss and diabetes. Although these conditions were more common among male participants in some cases, their association with poorer cognitive outcomes was stronger among women.
The findings suggest that the impact of a health condition may differ depending on sex, even when prevalence rates vary. Investigators noted that this distinction could be important when designing future dementia prevention efforts.
According to the research team, understanding both the frequency of risk factors and the degree to which they influence cognitive outcomes may help healthcare professionals identify more effective approaches to reducing dementia risk.
The study did not conclude that these conditions directly cause dementia in women. Instead, it identified stronger statistical associations between certain modifiable factors and cognitive performance, highlighting areas that may warrant additional investigation.
Growing Focus on Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Disparities
The research contributes to a broader effort within the scientific community to understand why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for most dementia diagnoses and affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday activities. As the U.S. population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase substantially over the coming decades.
Previous studies have examined a variety of potential explanations for the higher prevalence among women, including hormonal changes, genetic influences, cardiovascular health, educational opportunities, and differences in life experiences. Scientists have also explored how social determinants of health may contribute to long-term brain health outcomes.
The UC San Diego investigation adds evidence suggesting that certain modifiable health conditions may affect women differently, potentially influencing cognitive aging patterns over time.
Researchers emphasized that dementia develops through a complex combination of factors rather than a single cause. As a result, identifying differences in risk profiles may help support more personalized prevention strategies in the future.
Findings Highlight Importance of Managing Modifiable Risks
Many of the conditions examined in the study are considered modifiable, meaning they can often be addressed through treatment, monitoring, or lifestyle adjustments.
Depression management, regular physical activity, cardiovascular health monitoring, and treatment for hearing loss have all been identified in previous research as potential components of broader dementia prevention efforts. Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and managing diabetes are also widely recognized as important aspects of overall health.
Because the study found stronger associations between some of these conditions and cognitive performance in women, researchers suggested that sex-specific approaches may warrant further consideration.
The results also reinforce the importance of routine health screenings and early intervention for conditions that may affect long-term brain health. Many dementia risk factors develop gradually over time, making prevention and management strategies an important area of focus for clinicians and public health experts.
At the same time, investigators cautioned that additional studies will be necessary to better understand the biological and social mechanisms that may explain the observed differences between women and men.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Individual risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes in health, lifestyle, or treatment plans. The research described highlights statistical associations and does not imply causation.
