A groundbreaking study by researchers at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has revealed that women born in U.S. states with higher levels of structural sexism experience faster memory decline in later years compared to those born in states with less sexism. The cognitive impact is striking: the difference equates to approximately nine years of accelerated brain aging.
What Is Structural Sexism?
Structural sexism refers to systemic inequalities embedded in societal norms, policies, and resource distribution. Unlike individual acts of sexism, such as offensive remarks or discriminatory behaviour, structural sexism manifests through broader, systemic barriers, including unequal representation in government, disparities in labor force participation, and income inequality.
Previous research has linked structural sexism to higher mortality rates, greater risk of chronic health conditions, and reduced access to healthcare for women. This new study is the first to explore its relationship with cognitive health.
Key Findings
The researchers analysed memory performance in women aged 65 and older using data from 21,000 participants in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project and the Health and Retirement Study. Structural sexism levels were determined based on factors such as male-to-female labor force ratios, the representation of women in state legislatures, and poverty rates in the states where participants were born.
Faster Memory Decline: Women born in states with higher structural sexism experienced significantly faster memory decline compared to those from less sexist states.
Black Women Most Affected: The intersection of sexism and racism had a profound effect on Black women, exacerbating memory decline more than sexism or racism alone.
“Structural inequalities create barriers to health-enhancing opportunities and resources, which can lead to disparities in chronic health conditions that directly impact brain health,” said Justina Avila-Rieger, the study's lead researcher.
Implications for Alzheimer's Disease
Women account for two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, a statistic that has often been attributed to biological factors like hormones and genetics. However, this study suggests that systemic gender discrimination may be a significant, underappreciated risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
Addressing structural sexism could reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s among women, says Avila-Rieger: “Alzheimer’s is a huge societal problem, particularly among women. It’s imperative to understand the root causes and take action to address them.”
Future Directions
The study’s authors emphasise the need for further research to pinpoint when exposure to structural sexism is most harmful. Early-life exposure may be particularly critical, as structural inequalities experienced during childhood and adolescence could have lasting effects on brain health.
Avila-Rieger plans to investigate which aspects of structural sexism most strongly influence cognitive outcomes, aiming to provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers.
A Call for Change
This research underscores the urgent need to address social inequities as part of broader public health strategies. Reducing structural sexism could not only improve the quality of life for women but also mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline.
“Women’s health, including brain health, is deeply influenced by the environments we create as a society,” said Avila-Rieger. “Tackling structural inequalities is critical to ensuring healthier futures for all women.”
Source: Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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