scholarly journals Beyond Sex: Gender, LGBTQ, and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 748-748
Author(s):  
C Elizabeth Shaaban ◽  
Michelle Mielke

Abstract Sex and gender are important sources of variation in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and associated caregiving. Women comprise 2/3 of ADRD cases and the majority of ADRD caregivers. Sex encompasses biological differences due to sex chromosomes, reproductive tract, and hormones, while gender constitutes socioculturally constructed psychosocial aspects of sex. Several lines of research have begun to interrogate sex differences, but less is known about the relation of gender and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) status with ADRD. In this symposium featuring both trainees and faculty we highlight novel research addressing these factors from multiple perspectives. Two presentations address how psychosocial characteristics and their strengths of association with brain health may vary by gender. C. Elizabeth Shaaban presents analyses testing whether gendered psychosocial factors explain sex differences in white matter hyperintensities, a neuroimaging marker of cerebral small vessel disease and risk factor for ADRD. Justina Avila-Rieger presents results testing region of birth-based spatial patterning of dementia risk among Black men and women. Next, Jason Flatt presents prevalence estimates of subjective memory problems and dementia and describe factors associated with dementia among LGBTQ older adults. Finally, gender may also impact perceptions of individuals with dementia. Shana Stites explores gender differences in AD stigma and discuss implications for who is willing to be an AD caregiver. Michelle Mielke, an expert in sex and gender differences in neurodegenerative and age-associated diseases will facilitate conversation about these results and place them in the context of current sex and gender-based ADRD research.

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 174550651881799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa K Andrew ◽  
Mary C Tierney

Objective: There are impressive differences in the incidence, prevalence and experience of women and men with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Notably, two-thirds of those with AD, the most common form of dementia, are women. Our objective was to provide a literature-based framework to understand these sex and gender differences in AD. Methods: We conducted a narrative review to examine sex and gender influences on AD. Results: We present a framework to understanding why these sex and gender differences exist in AD. This includes the influence of longevity (women live longer than men), biological differences (hormonal differences, epigenetics and frailty), differences in cognitive performance (women and men tend to perform differently on some cognitive tests), and gendered social roles and opportunities (educational and occupational opportunities, functional roles post-retirement). Our review clearly indicates the complex interaction of these sex and gender differences and variability within each. Conclusions: Given these important sex and gender differences in AD, we provide recommendations and steps forward describing how both sex and gender should be considered in dementia diagnosis and management and in the design and implementation of dementia research, including studies of caregiving interventions and models of dementia care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 928-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Ferretti ◽  
J. Martinkova ◽  
E. Biskup ◽  
T. Benke ◽  
G. Gialdini ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 1018-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine L. Carter ◽  
Eileen M. Resnick ◽  
Monica Mallampalli ◽  
Anna Kalbarczyk

Author(s):  
Ellen E. H. Johnson ◽  
Claire Alexander ◽  
Grace J. Lee ◽  
Kaley Angers ◽  
Diarra Ndiaye ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Shana D Stites ◽  
Hannah Cao ◽  
Kristin Harkins ◽  
Jason D Flatt

Abstract Objective Differences between men and women are common in published research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). What do these differences mean? To answer this, rigorous measurement is needed. We investigated current methods for measuring sex/gender in aging and AD/ADRD cohort studies. Method An online survey was sent to NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) (n=38) and investigator-initiated cohort studies (n=38) to assess practices around enrollment of men and women and measurement of sex and gender. Results The response rate was 65.8% (n=50). All enrolled men and all but two investigator-initiated studies enrolled women. Most cohorts (43/50) had no documented definitions for categories of “men” or “women”. Over 85% of cohorts relied solely on self-report questions to capture sex/gender data (n=43/50). Issues with administration were also identified (n=7). Discussion Our findings identify gaps in current approaches used to measure sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. We discuss opportunities to bridge these gaps and advance measurement of sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. Changes are needed to ensure inclusion and representation of sociocultural diversity in research samples, and consistency in data collection in aging and AD/ADRD research.


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