Early Exposure to Structural Sexism Accelerates Memory Decline in Women by Up to Nine Years

Women facing higher levels of systemic sexism experience faster declines in cognition and memory as they age, according to a U.S.-based study.

Woman with Dementia

Woman with Dementia

A Cognitive Aging Gap Equivalent to 9 Years

Women born in “the most sexist states in the United States” exhibit significantly faster cognitive decline compared to those born in “the least sexist states.” This finding, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, comes from researchers at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.

Read Also: African American Women Exposed to Racism Are More Likely to Experience Cognitive Decline

Structural Sexism

Structural sexism refers to systemic inequalities in access to resources and power, perpetuated by social policies and norms. Unlike individual acts of discrimination, structural sexism manifests through practices such as discriminatory lending or the underrepresentation of women in politics. Previous studies have linked these systemic inequalities to higher mortality rates, limited healthcare access, and increased risks of chronic diseases for women.

This research is the first to examine how structural sexism impacts cognitive health in women aged 65 and older. Scientists analyzed historical indicators of sexism from the 1920s to the 1950s—such as male-to-female workforce ratios, the percentage of women in state legislatures, and poverty rates—and compared these data with memory performance from 21,000 participants in two large aging studies.

The Geography of Sexism

The study found stark geographical disparities in structural sexism during the early 20th century. Mississippi in 1910 ranked as the state with the highest structural sexism, while Connecticut in 1940 ranked the lowest. Women born in states with higher structural sexism experienced memory decline equivalent to being nine years older than their counterparts born in less sexist states. This stark contrast highlights how regional policies and cultural norms historically shaped health outcomes.

Read Also: Severe Menopausal Symptoms Linked to 74% Increased Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Postmenopausal Women

A Potential Avenue to Reduce Alzheimer’s Burden

The researchers revealed that “being born in the most sexist state versus the least sexist state is equivalent to nine years of cognitive aging.” Although the precise mechanisms linking structural sexism to cognitive decline remain unclear, the study suggests that systemic inequalities restrict access to health-promoting resources and opportunities, thereby contributing to disparities in chronic diseases and brain health.

The impact is especially pronounced among Black women. The study notes, “For Black women, the combined effect of sexism and racism likely creates a unique form of oppression that further exacerbates cognitive health issues.” Future research will explore whether exposure to these inequalities in youth has long-term consequences and which specific aspects of structural sexism most significantly affect cognitive health.

Read Also: Women More Comfortable Being Single Than Men, Show Less Interest in Romantic Partnerships and Higher Sexual Satisfaction, Study Reveals

Addressing Social Inequalities

One conclusion is clear: “Reducing social inequalities could be a key strategy in lessening the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on women,” the authors emphasized. Women account for nearly two-thirds of Americans living with the neurodegenerative condition, making targeted interventions essential for improving public health.

FAQs

Which states were found to be the most sexist in the study?
Mississippi was identified as the most sexist state due to systemic barriers like low female workforce participation, high poverty rates, and restrictive social norms.

Which state was the least sexist?
Connecticut ranked as the least sexist state, with progressive labor policies, high female workforce participation, and equitable political representation.

How was sexism measured in the study?
The researchers used indicators like gender disparities in workforce participation, wages, poverty levels, political representation, and access to reproductive rights.

Does sexism affect women of all racial groups equally?
No, the study found that the impact of sexism was particularly severe for Black women, who also face the compounded effects of racism.

Are men affected by structural sexism?
While the study primarily focused on women, it noted some negative effects on men’s cognitive health, though these were less pronounced.

Can sexism in childhood really impact memory in old age?
Yes, the study shows that early-life exposure to structural sexism can have long-term effects on cognitive health, equivalent to nine years of cognitive aging for women in the most sexist states.

What can be done to address this issue?
Reducing structural sexism through policy changes—such as increasing women’s representation in government and addressing wage gaps—may help mitigate its long-term health impacts.

References

Avila-Rieger, J. F., Adkins-Jackson, P. B., Hill-Jarrett, T. G., Robinson, W. R., Keyes, K. M., Schupf, N., Brickman, A. M., Mayeux, R., & Manly, J. J. (2024). Early life exposure to structural sexism and late-life memory trajectories among Black and White women and men in the United States. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14410

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