Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and scientists are working to understand why. This issue gained attention after British presenter Fiona Phillips spoke about her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the subtle signs she noticed.
Nature published a study confirming that women make up nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases. Anna Bonkhoff, a neurologist at Harvard, noted that many brain diseases affect men and women differently. Conditions like migraines and multiple sclerosis are more common in women, while men more often develop Parkinson’s and brain tumors.
A recent study in JAMA Neurology pointed to the X chromosome as a factor. Women have two X chromosomes, which carry genes related to immune system function and brain structure. This may influence why women develop Alzheimer’s more frequently.
Menopause may also contribute. Hormonal changes during this period could increase vulnerability, but aging itself also impacts brain health and immunity.
Phillips, diagnosed at 61, shared that she experienced anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings before her diagnosis, initially attributing them to menopause. Medical tests later confirmed Alzheimer’s.
Despite the challenges, she and her husband are determined to live as normally as possible. Her story highlights the importance of understanding Alzheimer’s and its greater impact on women.
