Scientists have discovered why women are more at risk of developing dementia than men in a new breakthrough for Alzheimer’s research.
Research has shown that women are at greater risk because they are prone to higher levels of a toxic protein in the brain.
It was previously thought that women were more likely to develop the disease because they live longer, however this now may not be the case.
American scientists have said that women, who already have a build-up of the toxic protein amyloid in the brain, have accumulated the protein “tau” at a faster rate than men.
Women are at greater risk because they are prone to higher levels of a toxic protein in the brain
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The plaques and tangles formed by significant clumps of the proteins is thought to be behind the symptoms of Alzheimers.
The research team from Harvard University said the revelation suggested that women were more prone due to the “elevated risk of this tau build up”.
The findings could impact clinical trials for new Alzheimer drugs, such as for the drug lecanamab, which has been found to be less effective in women.
Scientists assessed six studies involving 1,376 participants with Alzheimer's, aged around 72.
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Just over 400 were found to have higher levels of amyloid, and analysis suggested that women with higher levels of the protein accumulated tau faster than men in the inferior temporal cortex and lateral occipital regions of the brain.
Researchers believe menopause-related hormonal changes may be the culprit in higher levels of tau in women, however they admit further studies are needed.
Writing in JAMA Neurology, the researchers said: “The disproportionate rates of Alzheimer's among women are not only driven by survival bias, but also an elevated female risk for tauopathy.”
“Sex differences in the progression of tau may have clear and imminent implications for treatment enrollment' of anti-tau drugs such as lecanemab,” they added.
Women, who already have a build-up of the toxic protein amyloid in the brain, have accumulated the protein “tau”
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Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in Britain.
The Alzheimer's Society has estimated the overall annual cost of dementia to the UK is £42billion a year, and an ageing population means these costs could soar to £90billion in the next 15 years.
Early symptoms of the disease include memory problems as well as thinking and reasoning difficulties. These get worse over time.
Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the UK’s biggest killer.
