The onset of dementia involves various conditions, such as genes and sex hormones, and its precise mechanism has not been clarified. However, it has been known among medical workers that there are differences between men and women, or sex differences, in dementia. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in women is about twice that in men, and they account for a larger number of patients than men. Nursing care workers have come to recognize diversity in sex, and be more aware of considerations to sexual minorities.

Statistical data shows that the incidence of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatism and collagen disease, is higher in women than in men. In addition, the prevalence and severity of bronchial asthma also tends to be higher in women. Why is this? Connection with sex hormones first comes to mind, but in fact, the difference is said to be present from the stage of contact with allergens. Cells that control immune responses have sexes, and this leads to sex differences in pathological conditions.

The “dosage and administration” indicated on general non-prescription drugs does not distinguish between men and women. However, some prescription drugs recommend different doses, etc. by sex. Although studies on arrhythmia side effects have always been conducted in drug development, the severity of side effects differs by sex as sex hormones are associated with arrhythmia. Because of this, drug treatment and safety research based on gender-specific medicine is making progress.