Wellcome Leap Launches $50 Million Initiative to Cut Alzheimer’s Risk in Women

Renowned Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi to Lead Groundbreaking Research Program

The non-profit Wellcome Leap has unveiled a bold new $50 million research program aimed at slashing Alzheimer’s risk in women by 50%. Named the Cutting Alzheimer’s Risk through Endocrinology (CARE) program, this initiative is set to prevent 54.5 million Alzheimer’s cases in women by 2050, with acclaimed neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi at the helm.

Why Focus on Women?

Women make up nearly two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients, and every 3.2 seconds, someone develops the disease. Despite these stark statistics, most Alzheimer’s research has overlooked sex-specific risk factors, treating men and women as biologically identical. The CARE program aims to bridge this knowledge gap, using cutting-edge research to identify female-specific biomarkers and interventions.

Beyond the profound health implications, halving Alzheimer’s risk in women could save the U.S. alone $4.56 trillion in healthcare and caregiving costs—underscoring the economic urgency of preventative solutions.

Understanding Female-Specific Risks

Traditionally, Alzheimer’s was thought to be an inevitable result of aging or genetics. However, emerging research suggests that 45% of risk factors are modifiable—linked to lifestyle and health behaviours—while the remaining 55% remains unexplained, particularly in women.

The CARE program will focus on midlife women, the period when prevention efforts are most effective. Researchers will examine neuroendocrine aging and its role in neurodegeneration, utilising biomarkers, imaging, and genetic profiling to develop personalised prevention strategies.

The Role of Hormones in Brain Health

One major area of investigation will be the role of sex hormones in Alzheimer’s risk. Studies suggest that estrogen has neuroprotective properties, and its decline during menopause may increase vulnerability to the disease. However, the clinical application of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) in Alzheimer’s prevention remains controversial.

CARE will explore targeted hormonal interventions, assessing whether customized hormone-based treatments—tailored to an individual’s genetics, medical history, and biomarkers—can effectively lower Alzheimer’s risk.

Funding & Research Opportunities

Wellcome Leap is now inviting abstracts and proposals for three-year research projects, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The deadline for submissions is March 14, 2025.

This initiative represents a critical turning point in understanding how female biology impacts brain health—and could transform Alzheimer’s prevention for millions of women worldwide.