A groundbreaking study has shed light on why more women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease than men. Researchers from King’s College London and Queen Mary University London analyzed blood samples from over 800 participants and discovered a startling omega-3 deficiency in women with Alzheimer’s, compared to healthy women. This finding could explain the disparity in Alzheimer’s diagnosis rates between the sexes.

The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, analyzed lipids (fat molecules) in the blood and found that women with Alzheimer’s had significantly lower levels of unsaturated fats, such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids. This is significant because unsaturated fats play a crucial role in maintaining brain health.

In contrast, men with Alzheimer’s showed no significant difference in lipid composition compared to healthy men. Senior author Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley noted that this finding suggests Alzheimer’s lipid biology may be different between the sexes, opening new avenues for research.

The researchers took plasma samples from participants with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and cognitively healthy controls. Using mass spectrometry, they analyzed over 700 individual lipids in the blood. The results showed a steep increase in saturated lipids (considered “unhealthy”) in women with Alzheimer’s compared to the healthy group.

Dr Legido-Quigley emphasized that while there is a statistical indication of a causal link between Alzheimer’s disease and fatty acids, a clinical trial is necessary to confirm this association. She also suggested that women should ensure they are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids through their diet or supplements.

The study’s lead author, Dr Asger Wretlind, added that scientists have known for some time that more women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This research provides valuable insights into the biological differences in lipids between the sexes and highlights the importance of unsaturated fats containing omega-3s.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Head of Research, Dr Julia Dudley, welcomed this study as a step towards understanding how the disease works differently in women. She emphasized that future research should be carried out in a more ethnically diverse population to see if the same effect is seen and to understand the mechanisms behind this difference.

Overall, this groundbreaking study has shed light on the potential role of omega-3 deficiency in explaining the higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings and explore their implications for prevention and treatment strategies.

The diagnosis of premature menopause can be life-altering, with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Women affected by this condition not only experience the effects of estrogen deficiency but also face the unanticipated loss of reproductive function. However, some women are more adversely impacted by these changes than others. A new study has shed light on the reasons behind these differences, revealing a hidden depression crisis in early menopause.

Premature menopause, medically known as premature or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition where the ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. This condition has been linked to an elevated lifetime risk for depression and anxiety. A recent meta-analysis revealed that women with POI are three times more likely to experience depression and nearly five times more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to those without the condition.

The increased risk is understandable, given the combined experience of infertility and the additional burdens resulting from estrogen deficiency, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced bone mineral density, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For some women, infertility means altered life goals, loss of sense of control, social stigma, and disrupted social roles.

However, not all women experience depression or the same level of depression when presented with the same diagnosis. In this new study, researchers gathered data from nearly 350 women with POI to identify specific variables that contribute to the likelihood of depressive symptoms. Their findings revealed a high prevalence of depression among participants, with nearly one-third (29.9%) of the women suffering from depressive symptoms.

The researchers also found that a younger age at POI diagnosis, severe menopause symptoms, fertility-related grief, and lack of emotional support were risk factors for depressive symptoms. Interestingly, a genetic cause for POI was associated with lower depressive symptoms. Another unexpected result was that hot flashes (specifically night sweats) were not independently associated with depressive symptoms.

This is the first large-scale study to investigate specific variables associated with depressive symptoms in women with POI. The researchers believe their results highlight the importance of comprehensive care addressing both physical and psychological aspects of menopause at an early age.

The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population. Although hormone therapy is recognized as the standard of care for managing some menopause-related symptoms and preventive care, it is not a first-line treatment for mood disorders. Addressing behavioral-health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan.

As Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, notes, “The hidden depression crisis in early menopause requires attention from healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure that women receive the necessary support and care to manage their mental health and overall well-being.”

The study, presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the profound impact of weight-loss surgery on patients’ self-esteem. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center found that within one year of undergoing bariatric surgery, participants experienced a staggering 131% increase in their self-esteem scores.

The study involved a database of 5,749 patients aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more who had undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2019. The participants completed the Impact of Weight Quality of Life (iwQOL) survey before and 12 months after their operation to assess weight stigma and quality of life.

The results showed that self-esteem scores rose from an average of 33.6 to 77.5, a more than 40-point increase on a scale from 0 to 100. The study also found that the amount of weight loss was directly correlated with the increase in self-esteem, regardless of demographics such as gender, age, and race or type of bariatric procedure.

Justin Dhyani, MD, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding weight stigma and psychosocial factors associated with obesity. “While these factors should not dictate the decision to have bariatric surgery, they should be an important part of the conversation,” he said.

Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, FASMBS, President of ASMBS, added that weight stigma is a serious issue that places an extra psychological burden on patients struggling with obesity. “This study shows we need to understand what patients are going through and be supportive and empowering of them as they navigate their health and make decisions about treatment,” she said.

The findings of this study have significant implications for the holistic care of patients with obesity, highlighting the importance of addressing weight stigma and psychosocial factors in conjunction with medical treatment. By providing supportive and empowering care, healthcare professionals can help patients achieve a better quality of life and overcome the challenges associated with obesity.