Women’s verbal memory may delay alzheimer’s diagnosis by years

May 21, 2026

Reported by AI

Women maintain normal scores on standard memory tests for nearly three years longer than men even after Alzheimer’s-related brain changes begin. This cognitive advantage can mask early signs of the disease and delay treatment. A new analysis of long-term studies in the US and Canada highlights the issue.

Researchers led by Sasha Novozhilova at McGill University examined data from older adults who underwent regular cognitive tests and brain scans. Participants recalled lists of 15 words in immediate, delayed, and distracted conditions. Women with significant amyloid buildup in their brains continued to score normally for an average of 2.7 years longer than men with comparable pathology.

Elderly woman describing a picture in a lab with speech pauses indicated, related to cognitive study

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May 08, 2026 00:46

Women’s verbal memory may delay alzheimer’s diagnosis by years

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