2023 Sex and Gender in Alzheimer’s (SAGA) Grant (SAGA)

The role of sex and stress hormones in the earliest stages of AD

What are the links between sex and stress in early Alzheimer’s?

Graciela Muniz-Terrera, Ph.D.
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Athens, OH - United States

Background

Research has shown a strong link between stress and risk of Alzheimer’s, with individuals suffering from severe stress being twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. It has also been observed that the loss of sex hormones (hormones critical in the development and maintenance of sexual features) is also linked to higher risk of Alzheimer’s. 

There is a link between key sex hormones and hormones related to stress, collectively known as the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). Of particular interest are androgen and estrogen, two sex hormones which help control the levels of stress hormones (glucocorticoids) and limit the impact stress can have on the body. Increased levels of glucocorticoids have been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. It is important to understand the link between the sex hormones and levels of glucocorticoids and their impact on brain health.

Research Plan

Dr. Muniz-Terrera aims to study the links between sex and stress hormones in early Alzheimer’s. They will use samples from the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia Longitudinal Cohort Study, which has collected f information from individuals including medical history, cognitive exams, biological markers (biomarkers) of Alzheimer’s, genetic information and family history of dementia. They will use blood samples to assess whether brain health is linked to certain levels of sex and/or stress hormones and whether the associations between these variables are different for males and females. Factors such as diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety, as well as exposure to traumatic life events, will also be analyzed alongside stress hormone concentrations and brain health outcomes.

Impact

This study will help to clarify the connection between stress and  sex hormones, and brain health in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.