Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease higher for transgender and non-binary people

New research revealed transgender and non-binary people were at a "significantly higher risk" of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

The study conducted by UNSW was pioneering as it was the first to investigate differences in dementia according to sex and gender identity. Researchers found that Alzheimer’s risk factors were much more prevalent in this population.

Dr Brooke Brady, lead author of the study, said this research was necessary in today’s day and age.

"It’s vital we’re considering sex differences separately from gender differences," Dr Brady said. 

"As we found in the study, they may have a different relationship to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease across their lifespan."

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that more than 400,000 Australians lived with dementia, with the number expected to rise to 900,000 in the next 25 years.

Around 70 per cent of aged care residents lived with moderate to severe cognitive impairments, including dementia.

According to the 2021 census, 0.17 per cent of the Australian population marked the non-binary sex option. The ABS, however, stated that results from the census were not high quality.

The lack of data about LGBTQI+ residents in aged care facilities had been criticised for not being inclusive and often neglected, which can prevent personalised care from happening.

"We’ve made good progress in documenting the experiences of some traditionally marginalised groups based on other characteristics," Dr Brady said.

"But, we’re yet to do that for transgender and gender diverse people who have been overlooked in health research and policy."

"When it comes to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, it appears there are some modifiable risk factors impacting transgender and gender-diverse people that were not considered."

Risk factors include lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. 

While certain risk factors such as age, genetics, and family history cannot be changed, diet, physical activity, diabetes, blood pressure, and depression can be modified to reduce the risk of dementia potentially.

The study found that transgender men, transgender women, and non-binary adults had a higher chance of late-life Alzheimer’s disease risk due to risk factors.

Non-binary adults had the highest rates of depression at 49.8 per cent compared to cisgender men at 13.8 per cent. Transgender men, transgender women and non-binary adults all showed higher rates of heart attacks – around 6 per cent – compared to cisgender women at 1.6 per cent.

"These disparities in modifiable risk factors like higher rates of depression are significant and may drive a higher risk of later-life Alzheimer’s for transgender and non-binary adults," Dr Brady said.

"If we can address and change those risk factors, we may help to delay and prevent some dementia cases among this underrepresented group."

Dr Brady said other factors, such as social isolation due to social stigma, could impact dementia risk and should be considered for future studies.

"Previous research has reported that some transgender and gender-diverse older people experience more limited social support than other groups," she said. 

"Transgender and gender-diverse older adults often face obstacles in accessing health care and support when needed."

"We think tackling social stigma and discrimination could go a long way in normalising transgender and gender-diverse lived experiences and correct some of the health inequalities we see not only in the case of Alzheimer’s disease risk but for many other aspects of health and wellbeing."

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