Frailty across Neurological Diseases: Why Sex and Gender Matter.

Abstract

Frailty is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in neurology, influencing disease susceptibility, progression, and outcomes. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of sex and gender in shaping frailty trajectories across major neurological disorders, including stroke, Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia, and multiple sclerosis. This systematic review synthesizes current knowledge on the interplay between frailty and neurological disease, with a focus on sex-specific patterns. Recognizing sex- and gender-related differences in frailty expression is critical to advancing a more personalized and equitable model of neurological care, and reducing disparities in a growing population affected by age-related neurological conditions. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:297-311.