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A Lifecourse Perspective on Female Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Later Life Cognition

  • Dementia (K.S. Marder, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is greater in women compared to men. We provide a review of female sex-specific risk factors across the lifecourse for cognition in older adulthood, highlighting areas that need further study.

Recent Findings

Pregnancy may affect late-life cognition, with adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline but parity providing a protective effect. Cumulative estrogen exposure, influenced by age of menarche, menopause, and exogenous estrogen use, may modify a woman’s risk for dementia. Menopause transition-associated symptoms may impact cognitive health at the time of the symptoms, but long-term effects remain unknown. As compared to natural menopause, surgical menopause seems to increase the risk for cognitive impairment.

Summary

Studies that have assessed the association between women’s reproductive health and cognition have produced conflicting results. Future studies that address these inconsistencies among diverse populations are needed to better care for women throughout their lives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 622 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Amalia Peterson

  2. Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Sarah E Tom

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  1. Amalia Peterson
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Correspondence to Amalia Peterson.

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Dr. Peterson reports grants from NIH, during the conduct of the study. Dr. Tom has nothing to disclose.

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Peterson, A., Tom, S.E. A Lifecourse Perspective on Female Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Later Life Cognition. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 21, 46 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-021-01133-y

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