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Parkinson's isn't one-size-fits-all — and sex plays a bigger role than previously recognized. A retrospective study of nearly 11,000 patients found women face a heavier burden of motor complications and depression, while men are more likely to experience cognitive decline, smell loss, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Researchers say these differences should shape how clinicians screen, treat, and design trials for Parkinson's.
Parkinson's disease (PD) has long been thought of as predominantly a condition affecting older men — but a large new study suggests the disease presents quite differently depending on sex. Presented at the International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders 2026, a retrospective analysis of nearly 11,000 patients found meaningful sex-based differences across motor, cognitive, mood, and sensory symptoms.
Women with PD showed a significantly higher burden of motor complications — including dyskinesia, early morning dystonia, and unpredictable OFF episodes — and were nearly twice as likely to have depression. Men, meanwhile, fared worse on cognition, olfaction (smell), and had higher rates of probable REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings push back against a one-size-fits-all approach to PD care. Experts say recognizing sex-specific symptom profiles is a foundational step toward precision medicine in Parkinson's — and should inform both clinical practice and future trial design.
