Sexual Dimorphism in Neurodegenerative Diseases and in Brain Ischemia

Abstract

Epidemiological studies and clinical observations show evidence of sexual dimorphism in brain responses to several neurological conditions. It is suggested that sex-related differences between men and women may have profound effects on disease susceptibility, pathophysiology, and progression. Sexual differences of the brain are achieved through the complex interplay of several factors contributing to this phenomenon, such as sex hormones, as well as genetic and epigenetic differences. Despite recent advances, the precise link between these factors and brain disorders is incompletely understood. This review aims to briefly outline the most relevant aspects that differ between men and women in ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders (AD, PD, HD, ALS, and SM). Recognition of disparities between both sexes could aid the development of individual approaches to ameliorate or slow the progression of intractable disorders.

Keywords

• sexual dimorphism
• neurodegenerative diseases
• Parkinson’s disease (PD)
• Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
• Huntington’s disease (HD)
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)