Sexism Is a Risk Factor for Memory Decline Among Women

Columbia’s neuropsychologist Jennifer Manly, PhD, and neurology research scientist Justina Avila-Rieger, PhD, discuss the study they recently conducted looking at 21,000 people in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project and the Health and Retirement Study. The results showed the link between later-in-life memory decline and sexism, especially among Black women. “It is likely that, for women racialized as Black, the intersectional impact of sexism and racism creates a unique form of oppression that has greater salience for cognitive health than sexism or racism alone,” commented Dr. Manly.

Dr. Avila-Rieger’s research concentrated on sex, gender, racial, and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease. “Alzheimer’s is a huge societal problem, particularly among women, who account for two-thirds of Americans with the disease. It’s imperative that we gain a better understanding of what is causing this discrepancy and what can be done about it,” said Dr. Avila-Rieger. [read more]

Source: CUIMC Newsroom