Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Chronic stress may have a stronger impact on women’s brains as they age

Chronic stress may be more strongly associated with cognitive decline in women than in men as they age. This was the conclusion reached by researchers who studied nearly 3,900 people aged 50 and older who did not have dementia at the start of the study.

The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Women who reported higher levels of long-term stress experienced a more pronounced decline in attention and language abilities over time than men with comparable levels of stress. The researchers note that it is not yet clear what accounts for this difference. Possible factors include biological characteristics, such as hormonal influences, as well as social factors, including gender roles.

The study also found differences between ethnic groups. Among Hispanic participants, higher levels of chronic stress were associated with a more pronounced decline in memory compared with non-Hispanic White participants.

At the same time, one factor was associated with more favorable cognitive trajectories regardless of group: people who reported stronger social support experienced less decline in attention.

Participants reported on long-term stress related to financial problems, work, health, relationships, and caring for others. They also assessed the level of social support they received. Cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and language abilities, were assessed approximately every two years.

However, the authors emphasize that the study was observational and therefore cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship. It cannot be concluded that chronic stress itself causes cognitive decline. The influence of other factors cannot be ruled out.

In future research, the investigators plan to determine whether reducing stress levels or strengthening meaningful social connections could help preserve cognitive function with age, as well as how these factors may be associated with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.