Societal Sexism Linked to Faster Memory Decline in Women
A groundbreaking study from Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has uncovered a disturbing link between societal sexism and accelerated memory loss in women. The research reveals that women born in states with higher levels of structural sexism experience a substantially faster decline in memory function later in life, an effect equivalent to nine years of cognitive aging.
This isn’t about individual acts of sexism, but rather the systemic inequalities embedded in societal structures.”Structural sexism, like structural racism, does not refer to personal incidences but to inequality in resources and power that stem from social policies and societal norms,” explains the study.Unfair lending practices, underrepresentation in government – these are examples of structural sexism, unlike individual acts of hate.
The study,wich analyzed data from over 21,000 participants in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project and the Health and retirement Study,calculated each state’s level of structural sexism based on factors like the gender gap in the workforce,female portrayal in state legislatures,and poverty rates. The results were stark: a clear correlation emerged between higher levels of structural sexism and faster memory decline in women aged 65 and older.
The impact was particularly pronounced among Black women, highlighting the devastating intersection of sexism and racism.”it is likely that, for women racialized as Black, the intersectional impact of sexism and racism creates a unique form of oppression that has greater salience for cognitive health than sexism or racism alone,” notes Jennifer Manly, professor of neuropsychology and senior author of the study.
“Our findings suggest that addressing social inequities may be a powerful way to lower the burden of Alzheimer’s among women,” says study leader Justina Avila-Rieger, an associate research scientist.
Avila-Rieger emphasizes the urgency of these findings, stating, “Alzheimer’s is a huge societal problem, particularly among women, who account for two-thirds of Americans with the disease. It’s imperative that we gain a better understanding of what is causing this discrepancy and what can be done about it.”
While previous research has focused on biological factors like hormones and genes to explain the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s in women, this study points to a critical, often overlooked factor: systemic discrimination. “What we do know is structural inequalities shape individual health outcomes by creating barriers to health-enhancing opportunities and resources,” Avila-Rieger explains. “Eventually, these exposures produce disparities in chronic physical health conditions that directly influence brain health, and the onset of cognitive impairment.”
The researchers plan further examination into how exposure to structural sexism at different life stages impacts cognitive health. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for systemic change to improve the long-term health and well-being of women across the United States.
Study Links Early Life Sexism to Accelerated Cognitive Decline in Later Life
A groundbreaking new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association reveals a disturbing correlation between early-life exposure to structural sexism and accelerated memory decline in later life, disproportionately impacting women. Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of structural sexism in their formative years experienced significantly faster memory deterioration than their counterparts.
the research, led by Justina Avila-Reiger and a team of scientists from Columbia University and other leading institutions, analyzed data from two large studies: the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The study controlled for various factors, including race, socioeconomic status, and other potential confounders.
“Exposure to greater structural sexism was associated with lower baseline memory performance among WHICAP women and HRS men and faster memory decline among women in both studies,” explained Avila-Reiger. “Women born in the state with the highest structural sexism showed memory decline like that of those who were 9 years older.” The impact was particularly pronounced among Black women, who showed a stronger association between early-life sexism exposure and memory decline compared to White women.
The study highlights the insidious and long-lasting effects of societal inequalities on individual health. Avila-Reiger emphasizes the need for further research to pinpoint the specific aspects of structural sexism that contribute most significantly to cognitive decline. “We also need to tease apart which aspects of structural sexism have the most impact on cognitive health. This is significant in terms of making recommendations to policy makers,” she stated.
“It’s possible that early life exposure may be a critical period for structural inequality, with direct or indirect consequences that accumulate over time,” Avila-Reiger added, suggesting that interventions aimed at mitigating sexism early in life could have significant long-term benefits for cognitive health. The findings underscore the urgent need for policies and initiatives that address systemic inequalities and promote gender equity.
This research has significant implications for public health initiatives aimed at preventing and managing cognitive decline and dementia. The study’s findings suggest that addressing societal inequalities may be crucial in improving overall cognitive health outcomes, particularly for women.
Further Research and Implications
Future studies will delve deeper into the specific mechanisms through which structural sexism impacts cognitive health and explore the potential for targeted interventions. The researchers plan to investigate the effects of exposure to structural sexism at different life stages to better understand the critical periods of vulnerability.
The full study, “Early Life Exposure to Structural Sexism and Late-Life Memory Trajectories Among Black and White Women and Men in the U.S.,” is available online. [Link to the study]
