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A new study by UNSW found transgender and non-binary people to be at a higher risk of late-life Alzheimer ’ s disease .
‘ Overlooked ’
Risk factors for Alzheimer ’ s disease higher for transgender and non-binary people
By Arshmah Jamal
New research reveals that transgender and non-binary people are at a “ significantly higher risk ” of Alzheimer ’ s disease later in life .
The pioneering study , conducted by the University of NSW ( UNSW ), was the first to investigate differences in dementia according to sex and gender identity . Researchers found that Alzheimer ’ s risk factors were much more prevalent in this population .
Dr Brooke Brady , post-doctoral research fellow at UNSW and lead author of the study , said this research was necessary in today ’ s day and age .
“ It ’ s vital we ’ re considering sex differences separately from gender differences ,” Dr Brady said .
“ As we found in the study , they may have a different relationship to dementia and Alzheimer ’ s disease across their lifespan .”
According to the research , there is growing evidence about risk factors as they relate to sex differences , but the role of gender has been far less investigated .
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that more than 400,000 Australians lived with dementia , with the number expected to rise to 900,000 in the next 25 years .
Around 70 per cent of aged care residents lived with moderate to severe cognitive impairments , including dementia .
According to the 2021 census , 0.17 per cent of the Australian population
marked the non-binary sex option . The ABS , however , stated that results from the census were not high quality .
The care of LGBTQI + residents in aged care facilities had been criticised for not being inclusive and often neglected , which can prevent personalised care from happening .
“ We ’ ve made good progress in documenting the experiences of some traditionally marginalised groups based on other characteristics ,” Dr Brady said .
“ But , we ’ re yet to do that for transgender and gender diverse people who have been overlooked in health research and policy .”
“ When it comes to dementia and Alzheimer ’ s disease , it appears there are some modifiable risk factors impacting transgender and gender-diverse people that were not considered .”
Risk factors include lifestyle , environment , and genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer ’ s .
While certain risk factors such as age , genetics , and family history cannot be changed , diet , physical activity , diabetes , blood pressure , and depression can be modified to reduce the risk of dementia potentially .
The study found that transgender men , transgender women , and non-binary adults had a higher chance of late-life Alzheimer ’ s disease risk due to risk factors .
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Transgender and gender-diverse older adults often face obstacles in accessing health care and support when needed
Non-binary adults had the highest rates of depression at 49.8 per cent compared to cisgender men at 13.8 per cent . Transgender men , transgender women and non-binary adults all showed higher rates of heart attacks – around 6 per cent – compared to cisgender women at 1.6 per cent .
“ These disparities in modifiable risk factors like higher rates of depression are significant and may drive a higher risk of later-life Alzheimer ’ s for transgender and non-binary adults ,” Dr Brady said .
“ If we can address and change those risk factors , we may help to delay and prevent some dementia cases among this underrepresented group .” Dr Brady said other factors , such as social isolation due to social stigma , could impact dementia risk and should be considered for future studies .
“ Previous research has reported that some transgender and gender-diverse older people experience more limited social support than other groups ,” she said .
“ Transgender and gender-diverse older adults often face obstacles in accessing health care and support when needed .
“ We think tackling social stigma and discrimination could go a long way in normalising transgender and gender-diverse lived experiences and correct some of the health inequalities we see , not only in the case of Alzheimer ’ s disease risk , but for many other aspects of health and wellbeing .” ■
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