Enhancing brain health in the global south through a sex and gender lens

Abstract

Gender inequality substantially impacts society, disproportionately disadvantaging women, especially in the global south. This inequality correlates with brain health outcomes for women, including a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Here we highlight how sex-linked biology and gender disparities affect women’s brain health in the global south through various pathways, such as a differential exposomes, health behaviors and gender biases in research and healthcare systems. Alzheimer’s disease and other brain health conditions exemplify how sex-specific risk factors and gender-related health barriers interact to influence brain health. We advocate for incorporating sex/gender considerations in research, policy and clinical practice to improve brain health interventions in the global south. Additionally, we propose using the patient and public involvement framework to effectively tailor health strategies that address these factors. This Perspective discusses how gender disparities affect women’s brain health in the global south and proposes strategies to improve brain health outcomes by incorporating sex and gender considerations in research, policy and clinical practice and using the patient and public involvement framework.