Women with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's Pathology
Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 29, 2026
The findings could influence pharmaceutical companies to develop more targeted treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to new drug development and increased investment in research for both Parkinson s disease and Alzheimer s disease. Healthcare providers may also adjust diagnostic and monitoring protocols for women with Parkinson s disease.
New research presented at the American Academy of Neurology Congress 2026 by Mayo Clinic Arizona, led by Dr. Erika Driver-Dunckley, indicates that women with Parkinson s disease may be more susceptible to Alzheimer s disease-related brain changes than men. The study, which analyzed data from 230 autopsy-confirmed Parkinson s disease cases from the Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders and Brain and Body Donation Program, found that women had a significantly greater amyloid plaque burden. Despite this, no significant differences were observed in rates of Alzheimer s disease dementia or cognitive testing performance between sexes, raising questions about the relationship between brain pathology and cognitive outcomes.
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