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Measuring Sex and Gender in Aging and Alzheimer’s Research: Results of a National Survey

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  • Shana D Stites
  • Hannah Cao
  • Kristin Harkins
  • Jason D Flatt

Abstract

ObjectivesDifferences between men and women are common in published research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). What do these differences mean? To answer this, rigorous measurement is needed. We investigated current methods for measuring sex/gender in aging and AD/ADRD cohort studies.MethodsAn online survey was sent to National Institute on Aging-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (n = 38) and investigator-initiated cohort studies (n = 38) to assess practices around enrollment of men and women and measurement of sex and gender.ResultsThe response rate was 65.8% (n = 50). All enrolled men and all but two investigator-initiated studies enrolled women. Most cohorts (43/50) had no documented definitions for categories of “men” or “women.” Over 85% of cohorts relied solely on self-report questions to capture sex/gender data (n = 43/50). Issues with administration were also identified (n = 7).DiscussionOur findings identify gaps in current approaches used to measure sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. We discuss opportunities to bridge these gaps and advance measurement of sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. Changes are needed to ensure inclusion and representation of sociocultural diversity in research samples, and consistency in data collection in aging and AD/ADRD research.

Suggested Citation

  • Shana D Stites & Hannah Cao & Kristin Harkins & Jason D Flatt, 2022. "Measuring Sex and Gender in Aging and Alzheimer’s Research: Results of a National Survey," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 77(6), pages 1005-1016.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:77:y:2022:i:6:p:1005-1016.
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