Exploring sex and gender differences in the Alzheimer's disease patient journey: A survey study

Abstract Introduction The present study investigates differences between men and women in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient journey, aiming to improve early detection and patient care. Methods A sample of men and women ( N = 142) at different stages of the AD journey were invited to complete an online survey. A series of logistic regressions and Cox regressions were used to examine sex and gender differences in diagnosis and treatment. Results Men showed greater awareness of sedentary lifestyle risks ( p = 0.005). Diagnosis was more often by referral for women ( p = 0.015). Women were more likely to be treated with reminiscence therapy ( p = 0.029) and life story work ( p = 0.025). Time to diagnosis was shorter when diagnosed directly by specialists (hazard ratio = 0.59, p = 0.022). Discussion This study reports sex‐ and gender‐based differences in AD diagnosis and treatment. Expanding this research with diverse populations is essential to improve early detection and personalized care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Highlights We identified sex‐ and gender‐based differences in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient journey across diagnosis and treatment. Shorter time to diagnosis was observed when a specialist directly diagnosed patients. Women showed stronger responses to life story work therapy and were diagnosed after primary care referrals. Men and women had comparable awareness of AD risk factors, but men were more aware of lifestyle risks. This study highlights the need for sex‐ and gender‐specific diagnostic tools and personalized treatment approaches.