Women and Parkinson’s: Why Gender Differences Deserve More Attention

A new report is shining a spotlight on the unique challenges women face with Parkinson’s disease and calling for changes to research and care. The report, titled “Using a Sex- and Gender-Informed Lens to Enhance Care in Parkinson’s Disease”, was published in Nature Medicine in January 2025. It highlights the distinct ways Parkinson’s affects women and outlines steps to improve their care. Key Differences in How Parkinson’s Affects Women The report, compiled by the Women’s Brain Foundation with contributions from ten international Parkinson’s experts, reveals significant differences in how men and women experience Parkinson’s: Faster Progression but Later Symptoms: Women often experience a quicker progression of symptoms, yet motor symptoms tend to appear later compared to men. Interestingly, women also have a lower mortality rate. Hormonal Challenges: Changes in hormones, such as during menstruation or pregnancy, can worsen symptoms. Different Medication Responses: Women face unique challenges with Parkinson’s medication. For example, they’re 80% more likely than men to experience their medication wearing off before the next dose is due. Societal and Cultural Factors Beyond physical differences, societal factors also play a role in how women experience Parkinson’s: Caregiver Roles: Women are more likely to be primary caregivers for their families, which adds stress and limits their own care opportunities. Less Support: Women with Parkinson’s are less likely to receive care from partners or friends compared to men. Racial Disparities: Women of colour face even greater challenges. For example, Black women in the U.S. endure longer delays in diagnosis and care, while women in lower-income countries are more exposed to harmful neurotoxins that can worsen symptoms. Recommendations for Better Care The report offers actionable steps to address these issues: Include more women in clinical trials to better understand gender-specific responses. Use inclusive language, like “journey partner” instead of “caregiver,” to reflect diverse support roles. Promote workplace policies that accommodate the unique challenges of women with Parkinson’s. Regulate harmful neurotoxic substances, particularly in low-income countries. Amplifying Women’s Voices in Parkinson’s Care Dr. Antonella Santuccione-Chadha, President of the Women’s Brain Foundation and co-lead author of the report, highlights the importance of putting women at the centre of Parkinson’s research and care: “This work addresses the distinct needs of women, such as managing hormonal fluctuations, optimizing medication doses, and reducing side effects—issues that are often overlooked in clinical guidelines. We are working to close these gaps and transform care for women with Parkinson’s.” Dr. Roberta Marongiu, a co-lead author and professor at Weill Cornell University, adds: “This is a patient-centric approach driven by collaboration between patients, caregivers, and professionals. It aims to uncover and address the disparities faced by women with Parkinson’s, improving care and quality of life for all.” Toward Personalised Care for All Josefa Domingos, President of Parkinson’s Europe, emphasises the report’s broader goals: “Understanding the differences in symptoms, treatment, and progression between men and women is vital. Through this initiative, we’re not just raising awareness but also paving the way for personalised care that benefits everyone with Parkinson’s.” This report is a powerful call to action for researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritise the unique needs of women with Parkinson’s. By addressing these differences, the aim is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone living with the condition.