Sex and gender differences in access, quality of care, and effectiveness of treatment in dementia: a scoping review of studies up to 2024

06 June, 2025 

This scoping review aimed to summarize the evidence on sex and gender differences in access to treatment, quality of care, and treatment effectiveness for people with dementia. The review found that there are important differences between men and women in several aspects of dementia care:- Access to treatment: Women were less likely to be initiated on anti-dementia medications in some settings, but more likely to receive them in others. Women also received lower rates of healthcare consultations and monitoring compared to men.

– Quality of care: Women were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications for longer periods, which is considered a sign of poor quality of care.
– Treatment effectiveness: Studies of exercise and cognitive stimulation therapy interventions suggested a greater impact on cognition in women compared to men.
 
However, clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies indicated that women may be less responsive to these treatments than men. The review highlights the need to consider sex and gender inequalities when planning and implementing dementia care strategies, and the importance of reporting sex-disaggregated outcomes in clinical trials to better understand treatment effectiveness for both men and women
 

It is important to report sex-disaggregated outcomes in clinical trials for dementia treatments because there is evidence to suggest that men and women may respond differently to these treatments. By reporting outcomes separately for men and women, researchers can better understand the effectiveness and potential side effects of dementia treatments for each gender. This approach can lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies, ultimately improving the quality of care and health outcomes for both men and women living with dementia. Additionally, understanding these differences can help address potential disparities in access to treatment and ensure that both men and women receive appropriate and effective care.

 
The key findings regarding sex and gender differences in access to treatment for people with dementia, as identified in the scoping review, are as follows:
  1. Women were less likely to be initiated on anti-dementia medications in some settings compared to men.
  2. Women were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications for longer periods compared to men, which is considered a sign of poor quality of care.
  3. Women received lower rates of healthcare consultations and monitoring compared to men, potentially impacting their health outcomes.

 

These findings highlight important disparities in access to treatment for dementia based on sex and gender, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding of these differences to ensure equitable and effective care for all individuals living with dementia.

 

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