Unlocking Sex-Based Differences in Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Rachel Buckley

In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Rachel Buckley, Associate Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Together, they explore a growing body of research that challenges long-standing assumptions about sex differences in Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Buckley shares her unexpected journey from skepticism to advocacy in studying how biological sex and hormonal changes—particularly around menopause—can influence Alzheimer's risk, pathology, and progression. From PET scans to postmortem tissue studies, she unpacks what we now know about tau pathology in women, the role of hormone therapy, and how reproductive history may shape brain health.

You’ll also hear about:

• Why women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s—and why it’s more than just longevity
• How timing of hormone therapy may impact tau buildup
• Surprising research around pregnancy, caregiving, and even the X chromosome
• Where the research gaps still exist—and how AI might help close them
• Why training the next generation of sex-based neuroscientists is essential

Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, researcher, or simply curious about how brain health intersects with gender, this episode offers eye-opening insight and hope for the future.

Guest Bio:
 Dr. Rachel Buckley is an internationally recognized neuroscientist focused on the intersection of sex differences and Alzheimer's disease. She leads groundbreaking research at Massachusetts General Hospital and serves as Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Sex and Gender Professional Interest Area.

Resources & Links:
 🔗 Learn more: https://www.tofflertrust.org
📧 Contact Dr. Buckley via email or LinkedIn
💡 Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org

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To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.