Sex and Gender Differences in Parkinson's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Sex Differences in Disease

Background:

• The lower prevalence of Parkinson disease (PD) in females remains incompletely understood.
• Potential contributing factors include sex-based variations in nigrostriatal pathways and estrogen's neuroprotective properties.
• Existing research highlights sex-specific differences in PD symptoms and care, such as undertreatment with deep brain stimulation (DBS) and reduced access to caregiving for women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the underlying reasons for the lower prevalence of Parkinson disease in females.
• To examine sex-based disparities in Parkinson disease symptoms and treatment.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding Parkinson disease in gender-diverse and marginalized populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sex differences in Parkinson disease.
• Analysis of studies investigating nigrostriatal circuitry and estrogen's role.
• Examination of data on symptom presentation and treatment access across sexes.

Main Results:

• Sex differences in nigrostriatal circuitry and potential estrogenic neuroprotection may contribute to lower Parkinson disease prevalence in females.
• Women with Parkinson disease exhibit distinct motor and non-motor symptoms compared to men.
• Women face care disparities, including less frequent deep brain stimulation and limited caregiving support.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to elucidate the role of hormone replacement therapy in Parkinson disease.
• Addressing gender-based inequities in Parkinson disease care is crucial.
• Expanding research to include gender-diverse, sexual and gender minority (SGM), and marginalized communities is essential for a comprehensive understanding of Parkinson disease.