Sex Differences in Dementia: Men Exhibit 24% Increased Mortality Risk

Recent research led by Duke University School of Medicine reveals notable differences in how dementia impacts men and women. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, analyzed Medicare data from 2014 to 2021, involving over 5.7 million patients aged 65 and older diagnosed with dementia. Findings indicate that male patients with dementia face a 24% higher risk of death compared to female patients, even after adjusting for various factors. Additionally, men tend to have higher rates of hospitalizations, neuroimaging, and behavioral health-related hospital stays. Conversely, women generally experience faster cognitive decline and a higher incidence of dementia globally, with cardiovascular and metabolic factors influencing their risk more significantly. The disparities in mortality are likely driven more by the increased incidence of dementia among women rather than higher mortality rates post-diagnosis in women. The study highlights the importance of understanding sex-specific factors in dementia care and emphasizes that tailored approaches could improve outcomes across populations.