While men are often more prone to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, women tend to face higher rates of cognitive decline, particularly from Alzheimer’s disease. However, a new scientific study has revealed a surprising contrast: as humans age, men’s brains shrink more rapidly than women’s, even though Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects women.
The Findings
Researchers discovered that aging affects the male and female brains differently. Using advanced MRI imaging and long-term health data, the study found that men experience a faster reduction in overall brain volume and grey matter density compared to women of the same age group.
This shrinkage begins subtly around midlife but accelerates significantly after age 60. The areas most affected in men include those responsible for memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation — the same regions impacted by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Despite this, women remain twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 57 million people were living with dementia in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases emerging each year. Two-thirds of these cases are diagnosed in women.
