Brain cell changes may explain why Parkinson's affects more men than women

• Parkinson’s disease affects males more often than females, and a new study sheds light on why this might be.
• The study concludes that genetic changes in brain cells may provide a clue.
• In particular, the researchers conclude that epigenetic changes based on an individual’s genetic makeup might be particularly important.
• Better understanding sex differences in Parkinson’s disease will hopefully help scientists understand the condition and design more effective treatments.

A new study, presented recently at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, uncovers genetic changes in brain cells that might help us understand why Parkinson’s is much more prevalent in males.

Parkinson’s is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative condition, affecting around 1% of people aged over 60. Due to many factors, including our increasing average age, the number of Parkinson’s cases is projected to reach approximately 9 million by 2030, doubling cases since 2005.

These figures are concerning, and given that current treatments are far from perfect, understanding the disease as much as possible is vital.