Gender Impact On Health Is Huge - Women's Health Research Needs More Investments
Migraine is 3 times more common in women than in men.\xa0\n2/3 of patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\nGender differences are real and they matter.\xa0\nThe Women's Brain Project (WBP) is a Swiss-based international non-profit organization founded in 2016. It comprises a diverse team of academic and social scientists, medical doctors, engineers, patients, caregivers, artists, and AI experts. The WBP focuses on understanding sex and gender differences in brain and mental diseases to pave the way for precision medicine. This involves tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, including factors like sex, gender, genomic and proteomics, microbiome, ethnicity, and socio-economic status\u200b\u200b.\nIn this episode\xa0Antonella Santuccione Chadha, medical doctor and CEO of Women\u2019s brain project and Anna De, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Women's Brain Project explain: where are we with data about women\u2019s health specifics, what is driving research in women\u2019s health, what is the negative health and societal impact on women because of their predominant role in caregiving.\nShow notes: \n[00:03:01] Antonella Discusses Women's Brain Project:\n\nThe gaps in medicine for not considering sex and gender.\n\nThe transformation from an association to a foundation.\n\nThe need for commitment and support for evidence generation.\n\n[00:05:20] Underrepresentation of Women in Research:\n\nAntonella explains historical exclusion of women and the current need for inclusion.\n\nAddressing biases and the importance of female leadership in medicine.\n\n[00:08:23] Evaluating Existing and New Treatments:\nThe role of real-world data in addressing the gap in gender responses to treatments.\n[00:11:27] Key Findings and Successes:\nAntonella passes the conversation to Anna to discuss policy successes.\n[00:11:59] Anna Discusses Policy Impact:\n\nHow Women's Brain Project informs global policy.\n\nCollaboration with large organizations and efforts to influence policy.\n\n[00:16:01] Migraine Research and Campaigns:\nDetails on the migraine awareness campaign and insights on how it impacts women specifically.\n[00:19:30] Antonella on Scientific Evidence:\n\nThe role of female hormones in migraines and other diseases.\n\nThe importance of translating science into political measures.\n\n[00:20:38] Alzheimer's Disease in Women:\nDiscussion on why two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients are women and associated factors.\n[00:26:00] Relationship Between Research and Medical Practice:\n\nAntonella shares her experiences as a clinician and the realization of gender disparities in her patients.\n\nThe importance of educating healthcare professionals on sex and gender differences.\n\n[00:29:03] Anna Adds to the Discussion:\n\nThe need to consider both sex and gender differences in healthcare.\n\nThe societal impact of caregiver burden on women.\n\n[00:33:34] Identifying Questions and Approaches for Research:\nThe conversation turns to the complexities of starting research with the right questions and data.\n[00:37:18] Key Changes Needed to Advance Women's Health:\nAntonella and Anna discuss the three key changes they hope to see: investment in women-driven innovation, prioritizing sex and gender differences in policy agendas, and empowering women with knowledge about their health.\n[00:41:34] Closing Remarks:\n\nThe need for more research and better patient management, especially regarding menopause.\n\nThe call for the younger female generation to lead change.\n\n\nNewsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/\nwww.facesofdigitalhealth.com