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Zhou Y, Long Y. Sex differences in human brain networks in normal and psychiatric populations from the perspective of small-world properties. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1456714. [PMID: 39238939 PMCID: PMC11376280 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1456714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Females and males are known to be different in the prevalences of multiple psychiatric disorders, while the underlying neural mechanisms are unclear. Based on non-invasive neuroimaging techniques and graph theory, many researchers have tried to use a small-world network model to elucidate sex differences in the brain. This manuscript aims to compile the related research findings from the past few years and summarize the sex differences in human brain networks in both normal and psychiatric populations from the perspective of small-world properties. We reviewed published reports examining altered small-world properties in both the functional and structural brain networks between males and females. Based on four patterns of altered small-world properties proposed: randomization, regularization, stronger small-worldization, and weaker small-worldization, we found that current results point to a significant trend toward more regularization in normal females and more randomization in normal males in functional brain networks. On the other hand, there seems to be no consensus to date on the sex differences in small-world properties of the structural brain networks in normal populations. Nevertheless, we noticed that the sample sizes in many published studies are small, and future studies with larger samples are warranted to obtain more reliable results. Moreover, the number of related studies conducted in psychiatric populations is still limited and more investigations might be needed. We anticipate that these conclusions will contribute to a deeper understanding of the sex differences in the brain, which may be also valuable for developing new methods in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhou
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yicheng Long
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Gall CM, Le AA, Lynch G. Contributions of site- and sex-specific LTPs to everyday memory. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230223. [PMID: 38853551 PMCID: PMC11343211 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Commentaries about long-term potentiation (LTP) generally proceed with an implicit assumption that largely the same physiological effect is sampled across different experiments. However, this is clearly not the case. We illustrate the point by comparing LTP in the CA3 projections to CA1 with the different forms of potentiation in the dentate gyrus. These studies lead to the hypothesis that specialized properties of CA1-LTP are adaptations for encoding unsupervised learning and episodic memory, whereas the dentate gyrus variants subserve learning that requires multiple trials and separation of overlapping bodies of information. Recent work has added sex as a second and somewhat surprising dimension along which LTP is also differentiated. Triggering events for CA1-LTP differ between the sexes and the adult induction threshold is significantly higher in females; these findings help explain why males have an advantage in spatial learning. Remarkably, the converse is true before puberty: Females have the lower LTP threshold and are better at spatial memory problems. A mechanism has been identified for the loss-of-function in females but not for the gain-of-function in males. We propose that the many and disparate demands of natural environments, with different processing requirements across ages and between sexes, led to the emergence of multiple LTPs. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Gall
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Aliza A. Le
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Gary Lynch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92868, USA
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Killanin AD, Ward TW, Embury CM, Calhoun VD, Wang Y, Stephen JM, Picci G, Heinrichs‐Graham E, Wilson TW. Effects of endogenous testosterone on oscillatory activity during verbal working memory in youth. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26774. [PMID: 38949599 PMCID: PMC11215982 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Testosterone levels sharply rise during the transition from childhood to adolescence and these changes are known to be associated with changes in human brain structure. During this same developmental window, there are also robust changes in the neural oscillatory dynamics serving verbal working memory processing. Surprisingly, whereas many studies have investigated the effects of chronological age on the neural oscillations supporting verbal working memory, none have probed the impact of endogenous testosterone levels during this developmental period. Using a sample of 89 youth aged 6-14 years-old, we collected salivary testosterone samples and recorded magnetoencephalography during a modified Sternberg verbal working memory task. Significant oscillatory responses were identified and imaged using a beamforming approach and the resulting maps were subjected to whole-brain ANCOVAs examining the effects of testosterone and sex, controlling for age, during verbal working memory encoding and maintenance. Our primary results indicated robust testosterone-related effects in theta (4-7 Hz) and alpha (8-14 Hz) oscillatory activity, controlling for age. During encoding, females exhibited weaker theta oscillations than males in right cerebellar cortices and stronger alpha oscillations in left temporal cortices. During maintenance, youth with greater testosterone exhibited weaker alpha oscillations in right parahippocampal and cerebellar cortices, as well as regions across the left-lateralized language network. These results extend the existing literature on the development of verbal working memory processing by showing region and sex-specific effects of testosterone, and are the first results to link endogenous testosterone levels to the neural oscillatory activity serving verbal working memory, above and beyond the effects of chronological age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham D. Killanin
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Center for Pediatric Brain HealthBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Thomas W. Ward
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Center for Pediatric Brain HealthBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Christine M. Embury
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Center for Pediatric Brain HealthBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
| | - Vince D. Calhoun
- Tri‐Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS)Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Yu‐Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTulane UniversityNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | | | - Giorgia Picci
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Center for Pediatric Brain HealthBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Elizabeth Heinrichs‐Graham
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Center for Pediatric Brain HealthBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- Center for Pediatric Brain HealthBoys Town National Research HospitalNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
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Dassanayake TL, Ariyasinghe DI, Baminiwatta A, Hewawasam C. Age-stratified norms for Raven's standard progressive matrices for Sri Lankan adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38937886 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2370908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to create age-stratified norms for the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) for Sri Lankan adults. METHODS A sample of 610 adults (age: 18-72 years; education: 1-19 years), underwent the 60-item version of the SPM under individual supervision of a test administrator. The sample was stratified into 5-year age bands, and the norms are presented as percentile tables and percentile curves. RESULTS The age-related changes were more accurately predicted by a curvilinear model (overall R2 = 0.961) than a linear regression model (R2 = 0.639). The SPM norms are presented as age-stratified percentile tables, as well as sex-, age- and education-adjusted multiple regression equations. The highest percentiles in the younger end of the age spectrum showed a ceiling effect. In the context of age-stratified US (1993) and British (1992) norms, older individuals in the Sri Lankan sample scored much lower than their Western counterparts. However, the difference narrowed in the younger age bands, showing no difference among the 18-to-22-year age bands in the three countries. CONCLUSIONS This age-by-country interaction can be partly explained by poorer education in the older individuals in the present sample compared to those in the US and UK standardization samples. SPM norms presented in this paper fill a hiatus in assessment of general intellectual ability in Sri Lankan adults. Given that Sri Lanka improves its educational, socioeconomic and health standards faster than the nations who have already reached higher standards, these norms would require re-standardization in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharaka L Dassanayake
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Dewasmika I Ariyasinghe
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Anuradha Baminiwatta
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Chandana Hewawasam
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Mirchi Z, Kheirkhah MT, Khosrowabadi R, Fadardi JS, Ramezani M. Development of a real-world simulated instrument for evaluating visuospatial working memory: a preliminary psychometric study on older adults. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:548. [PMID: 38914947 PMCID: PMC11197279 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05140-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A prevalent challenge in neuropsychological assessment, particularly when utilizing instruments designed for controlled laboratory environments, is that the outcomes may not correspond to an individual's real-life status. Accordingly, assessments of visuospatial working memory (VSWM) conducted in such settings might fail to capture certain facets of this function, as it operates in real life. On the other hand, entirely ecological assessments may risk compromising internal validity. This study aimed to develop an intermediate mode of assessment that measures VSWM in older adults by employing a setting, a task, and a response format that aligns closely with both laboratory and ecological assessments. Furthermore, a preliminary investigation was carried out to study the variations in spatial cognition among different demographic groups. METHODS In a two-session study, 77 healthy older adults, eight patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and seven patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were recruited to complete the wayfinding questionnaire (WQ), the Corsi block-tapping task (CBTT), and the Spatial Memory Table (SMT). The SMT is a novel instrument developed specifically for this study, aiming to provide a more accurate measure of VSWM performance in older adults' everyday life. Test-retest and split-half reliabilities, as well as the face, content, concurrent, convergent, and known-groups validities, were analyzed to investigate the psychometric properties of the SMT. RESULTS The analyses were mainly centered on studying the psychometric properties of the SMT. Test-retest reliability (r = .753, p < .001) and split-half reliability (ρSC = 0.747) were found to be acceptable. Concurrent validity using CBTT (r = .264, p = .021), convergent validity using WQ subscales (navigation and orientation: r = .282, p = .014; distance estimation: r = .261, p = .024), and known-groups validity using the SMT scores among people with MCI and AD (χ2 = 35.194, df = 2, p < .001) were also indicative of the instrument's good validity. Data analysis also revealed acceptable levels of face validity (U = 4.50; p = .095) and content validity (CVR ≥ 0.60). As a result of comparing VSWM and wayfinding variables across genders and education levels, a significant difference was observed for navigation and orientation and spatial anxiety between women and men (p < .05). None of the variables were different among education levels. CONCLUSION The SMT was found to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring VSWM performance in older adults. Given these findings, the SMT can be regarded as a measure that sufficiently approximates both laboratory and real-life demands for VSWM. Additionally, the instrument demonstrated a preliminary acceptable capacity to differentiate between healthy individuals and those with MCI and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mirchi
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Kheirkhah
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, no 18., Daneshjoo Blvd., Shahid Shahriari Sq., Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Khosrowabadi
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, no 18., Daneshjoo Blvd., Shahid Shahriari Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Salehi Fadardi
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA
- School of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Mojdeh Ramezani
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Le AA, Lauterborn JC, Jia Y, Cox CD, Lynch G, Gall CM. Metabotropic NMDA Receptor Signaling Contributes to Sex Differences in Synaptic Plasticity and Episodic Memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577478. [PMID: 38328108 PMCID: PMC10849651 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Men generally outperform women on encoding spatial components of episodic memory whereas the reverse holds for semantic elements. Here we show that female mice outperform males on tests for non-spatial aspects of episodic memory ("what", "when"), suggesting that the human findings are influenced by neurobiological factors common to mammals. Analysis of hippocampal synaptic plasticity mechanisms and encoding revealed unprecedented, sex-specific contributions of non-classical metabotropic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) functions. While both sexes used non-ionic NMDAR signaling to trigger actin polymerization needed to consolidate long-term potentiation (LTP), NMDAR GluN2B subunit antagonism blocked these effects in males only and had the corresponding sex-specific effect on episodic memory. Conversely, blocking estrogen receptor alpha eliminated metabotropic stabilization of LTP and episodic memory in females only. The results show that sex differences in metabotropic signaling critical for enduring synaptic plasticity in hippocampus have significant consequences for encoding episodic memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A. Le
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Julie C. Lauterborn
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Yousheng Jia
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Conor D. Cox
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Gary Lynch
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California; Irvine, 92868, USA
| | - Christine M. Gall
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
- Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
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Cartier L, Guérin M, Saulnier F, Cotocea I, Mohammedi A, Moussaoui F, Kheloui S, Juster RP. Sex and gender correlates of sexually polymorphic cognition. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38191503 PMCID: PMC10773055 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually polymorphic cognition (SPC) results from the interaction between biological (birth-assigned sex (BAS), sex hormones) and socio-cultural (gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation) factors. The literature remains quite mixed regarding the magnitude of the effects of these variables. This project used a battery of classic cognitive tests designed to assess the influence of sex hormones on cognitive performance. At the same time, we aimed to assess the inter-related and respective effects that BAS, sex hormones, and gender-related factors have on SPC. METHODS We recruited 222 adults who completed eight cognitive tasks that assessed a variety of cognitive domains during a 150-min session. Subgroups were separated based on gender identity and sexual orientation and recruited as follows: cisgender heterosexual men (n = 46), cisgender non-heterosexual men (n = 36), cisgender heterosexual women (n = 36), cisgender non-heterosexual women (n = 38), gender diverse (n = 66). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the test to assess testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Psychosocial variables were derived from self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Cognitive performance reflects sex and gender differences that are partially consistent with the literature. Interestingly, biological factors seem to better explain differences in male-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., spatial), while psychosocial factors seem to better explain differences in female-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., verbal). CONCLUSION Our results establish a better comprehension of SPC over and above the effects of BAS as a binary variable. We highlight the importance of treating sex as a biological factor and gender as a socio-cultural factor together since they collectively influence SPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Cartier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mina Guérin
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fanny Saulnier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ioana Cotocea
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Amine Mohammedi
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fadila Moussaoui
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Oates M, Bean A. Intersecting effects of sex/gender and autism on structural language: A scoping review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:1876-1890. [PMID: 36737874 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221151095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Research about autism is mostly about boys and men, even though many autistic people are girls, women, and transgender/nonbinary. We wanted to learn more about how gender interacts with language skills in autistic people, so we reviewed existing research articles on this topic. We also wanted to know how this previous research talked about gender. Included articles had to measure language skills for autistic people of different genders. They also had to be published between 2000 and 2021. Twenty-four articles met these requirements. We found that autistic girls showed better language skills than autistic boys but worse skills than nonautistic girls. This may be one reason that autistic girls are underdiagnosed compared to autistic boys. If we compare autistic girls to nonautistic girls instead, we can see more language differences and possible areas to target in interventions. This study supports the need to create diagnostic and support measures for autism that take gender into account. Also, only one article mentioned autistic people who are transgender or nonbinary. Researchers who want to learn more about gender and autism need to understand gender diversity and recognize that many autistic people are transgender or nonbinary.
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Revert-Alcántara N, Funes-Molina MJ, Porcel C, Sáez-Zea C. Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Spanish Validation of the Computerized Information Processing Assessment Battery (COGNITO). Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023:acad075. [PMID: 37769198 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mild cognitive impairment (CI) has an exponential increase in its prevalence and causes functional deficits and dependence. Its early detection allows for timely treatment and greater therapeutic efficacy. However, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is currently underdiagnosed. Although recent decades have seen a rise in computerized instruments for the detection and early diagnosis of MCI, showing numerous advantages over the classic paper-and-pencil methods, such as standardized stimulus presentation. However, their limitations include the use of self-administered application without professional supervision. Few of these instruments have Spanish-adapted versions. OBJECTIVE To translate, adapt, and validate the computerized Information Processing Assessment Battery (COGNITO) battery in the Spanish population and to develop a portable administration system that facilitates its application in different settings. COGNITO was then administered to 232 Spanish participants (18-89 years) without cognitive impairment, after which preliminary normative data were obtained. RESULTS Strong positive correlations were found between the main cognitive domains assessed by COGNITO and the variables of age, educational level, and MEC score. The gender variable only correlated with visuospatial skills, with men outperforming women. The test-retest correlations conducted after 4 weeks with 89 participants revealed adequate reliability coefficients ranging between.63 and.66 (visuospatial skills = 0.35). Internal consistency coefficients were satisfactory in Attention-Executive Functions and Memory domains. CONCLUSIONS The Spanish adaptation of COGNITO shows adequate psychometric characteristics of validity and reliability. The preliminary normative data provided may contribute to the early detection of cognitive impairments associated with both normal aging and various types of neurological pathology. This tool has great utility and versatility for neuropsychological practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Porcel
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Sáez-Zea
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Rzhanova IE, Alekseeva OS, Boldyreva AY, Nikolaeva AY, Burdukova YA. Verbal Abilities: Sex Differences in Children at Different Ages. PSYCHOLOGY IN RUSSIA: STATE OF ART 2023; 16:22-32. [PMID: 37818343 PMCID: PMC10561781 DOI: 10.11621/pir.2023.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The assertion of sex differences in verbal abilities is a highly controversial subject. Some studies have demonstrated a female advantage; other studies have found higher rates in males. The results depended on the type of verbal ability that was studied, the cultural context, and the ages of the subjects. There are two types of theories that have been developed to explain the existence of sex differences in cognitive abilities. Social theories explain the differences as caused by social determinants. Biological theories consider biological factors such as prenatal development conditions and hormone levels, among others, as the cause of sex differences. Objective To investigate sex differences in verbal abilities in children of different ages. Design Two different editions of Wechsler tests were used. For children age 2.5 to 5 years, the Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) was used. For children age 6 and older, we administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V). The total sample included 313 children. Results The study found significant sex differences in performance on the Verbal Comprehension Scale in children of different ages. At the age of 2 to 4 years, the girls performed better than the boys. In the group of boys, there was a significant increase in verbal abilities at the age of 8-9 years. By the age of 10-11 years, boys began outperforming girls on the Verbal Comprehension Index. Scores on the Verbal Comprehension and Visual Spatial subtests for the boy sample showed stronger correlations than in the girl sample in all age groups. Conclusion Sex differences in verbal abilities varied depending on the age of the children. The boys showed a stronger integration of their verbal abilities into the structure of their intelligence than the girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina E. Rzhanova
- Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga S. Alekseeva
- Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education, Moscow, Russia
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Gong J, Zhang T, Zhou L, Mo Y, Yu F, Liu M, Yang L, Liu J. Gender divergent effect of COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism on the association between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experiences. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114215. [PMID: 36372244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Premorbid cognitive impairments are observed prior to the onset of schizophrenia. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680 is associated with psychosis and plays a crucial role in the development of the executive function. In addition, genetic COMT variations and gender affect its enzymatic activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COMT rs4680 on the relationship between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in college students, with the additional investigation of the gender difference. METHODS A total of 463 students provided biological samples for DNA analysis and the COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism was discriminated by the improved multiplex ligase detection reaction method. They also completed the Prodromal Questionnaire and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. RESULTS Executive dysfunction significantly predicted positive PLEs in the total, male and female population (β = 0.515, 0.508 and 0.512, p < 0.001). The results of moderated analysis revealed that COMT rs4680 recessive genetic model ('AA genotype' versus 'G carrier') moderated the relationship between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experience in the total and females (p = 0.002 and p <0.001, respectively), but not in males. CONCLUSION These findings revealed a female-specific effect of COMT rs4680 on the relationship between executive dysfunction and PLEs in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Gong
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China; Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Student Affairs, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- College of Education Science, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yanzi Mo
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feifei Yu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luobin Yang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Department of Child Psychiatry of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Institute of Mental Health, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Shenzhen, China.
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Resque DPDS, de Moura Lobato AM, da Silva CG, da Cruz Filho DA, da Fonseca SSS, de Oliveira Matos F, Pereira A. The inhibition of mirror generalization of letters in school-aged children. Front Psychol 2023; 14:996012. [PMID: 36844274 PMCID: PMC9945873 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.996012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender differences in spatial abilities favor males in both childhood and adulthood. During early development, this discrepancy can be attributed, among other things, to the influence of an early testosterone surge in boys, societal stereotypes, and expectations about gender. In the present work, we created a spatial task (including letter rotation and letter mirroring) which used letters as stimuli and evaluated the performance of school-aged children (6-10 years old). During this age period, children are being taught literacy skills which rely on the reorganization of cortical networks and the breakdown of mirror generalization. We divided our sample (N = 142, 73 females) into two age groups: 1st-2nd (literacy acquisition; N = 70, 33 females) and 3rd-5th (literacy consolidation; N = 72, 40 females) graders. While boys performed significantly better in letter rotation in the older group, girls' performance remained substandard in both groups. This pattern is reversed for the mirror task, with older girls outperforming their younger counterparts and boys having similar performance in the two groups. Since the age period of our sample is not associated with large variations in the levels of reproductive steroids, we propose that the similarity of performance between younger and older girls in mental rotation of letters could be associated with society's traditional attitudes and expectations on the relationship between visual-spatial skills and gender. As for the mirror task, while only girls had a significant difference between the two age groups, boys did show an improvement, as expected for the inhibition of mirror generalization for letters during reading acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deusa Priscila da Silva Resque
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil,Laboratory of Signal Processing, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Adriany Maria de Moura Lobato
- Laboratory of Signal Processing, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Carolina Gomes da Silva
- Laboratory of Signal Processing, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Daniel Alves da Cruz Filho
- Laboratory of Signal Processing, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Susanne Suely Santos da Fonseca
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil,Laboratory of Signal Processing, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Pereira
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil,Laboratory of Signal Processing, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil,*Correspondence: Antonio Pereira,
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13
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O’Shea DM, Galvin JE. Female APOE ɛ4 Carriers with Slow Rates of Biological Aging Have Better Memory Performances Compared to Female ɛ4 Carriers with Accelerated Aging. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:1269-1282. [PMID: 36872781 PMCID: PMC10535361 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that APOE ɛ4 carriers have worse memory performances compared to APOE ɛ4 non-carriers and effects may vary by sex and age. Estimates of biological age, using DNA methylation may enhance understanding of the associations between sex and APOE ɛ4 on cognition. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether associations between APOE ɛ4 status and memory vary according to rates of biological aging, using a DNA methylation age biomarker, in older men and women without dementia. METHODS Data were obtained from 1,771 adults enrolled in the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. A series of ANCOVAs were used to test the interaction effects of APOE ɛ4 status and aging rates (defined as 1 standard deviation below (i.e., slow rate), or above (i.e., fast rate) their sex-specific mean rate of aging on a composite measure of verbal learning and memory. RESULTS APOE ɛ4 female carriers with slow rates of GrimAge had significantly better memory performances compared to fast and average aging APOE ɛ4 female carriers. There was no effect of aging group rate on memory in the female non-carriers and no significant differences in memory according to age rate in either male APOE ɛ4 carriers or non-carriers. CONCLUSION Slower rates of aging in female APOE ɛ4 carriers may buffer against the negative effects of the ɛ4 allele on memory. However, longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate risk of dementia/memory impairment based on rates of aging in female APOE ɛ4 carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre M. O’Shea
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - James E. Galvin
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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14
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Razzak RA, Jahrami H, Husni M, Ali ME, Bagust J. Perceptual visual dependence for spatial orientation in patients with schizophrenia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278718. [PMID: 36455045 PMCID: PMC9714874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia are reported to have vestibular dysfunction and to weigh vestibular input to a lesser extent compared to healthy controls. Such deficits may increase visual dependence (VD) for spatial orientation at a perceptual level in these patients. The aim of this study is to compare VD levels between healthy control and patients with schizophrenia and to explore associations between VD and clinical measures in these patients. Relation of VD to antipsychotic drug treatment is also discussed. METHOD 18 patients with schizophrenia and 19 healthy controls participated in this study. The Rod and Disc Test (RDT) was used to create an optokinetic surround around a centrally located rod. Participants aligned the rod to their subjective visual vertical (SVV) in both static and dynamic disc conditions. VD was calculated as the difference in SVV between these two conditions. RESULTS There was no group difference or gender difference in static or dynamic SVV as well as VD. There was no correlation between VD and any of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores, however VD was significantly correlated to illness duration in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS Schizophrenia is not associated with greater VD levels at a perceptual level, compared to controls, indicating adequate visuo-vestibular integration for judging line verticality in these patients. Patients with greater chronicity of the disease are more visually dependent than those less chronically ill, consistent with previous reports of possible vestibular dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. This may affect their daily functioning in dynamic visual environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Abdul Razzak
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS), Arabian Gulf University (AGU), Manama, Bahrain
- * E-mail:
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Ministry of Health (MOH), Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS), Arabian Gulf University (AGU), Manama, Bahrain
| | - Mariwan Husni
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS), Arabian Gulf University (AGU), Manama, Bahrain
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeff Bagust
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
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15
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Moulton RH, Rudie K, Dukelow SP, Scott SH. Quantitatively assessing aging effects in rapid motor behaviours: a cross-sectional study. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:82. [PMID: 35883179 PMCID: PMC9327262 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An individual's rapid motor skills allow them to perform many daily activities and are a hallmark of physical health. Although age and sex are both known to affect motor performance, standardized methods for assessing their impact on upper limb function are limited. METHODS Here we perform a cross-sectional study of 643 healthy human participants in two interactive motor tasks developed to quantify sensorimotor abilities, Object-Hit (OH) and Object-Hit-and-Avoid (OHA). The tasks required participants to hit virtual objects with and without the presence of distractor objects. Velocities and positions of hands and objects were recorded by a robotic exoskeleton, allowing a variety of parameters to be calculated for each trial. We verified that these tasks are viable for measuring performance in healthy humans and we examined whether any of our recorded parameters were related to age or sex. RESULTS Our analysis shows that both OH and OHA can assess rapid motor behaviours in healthy human participants. It also shows that while some parameters in these tasks decline with age, those most associated with the motor system do not. Three parameters show significant sex-related effects in OH, but these effects disappear in OHA. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the underlying effect of aging on rapid motor behaviours is not on the capabilities of the motor system, but on the brain's capacity for processing inputs into motor actions. Additionally, this study provides a baseline description of healthy human performance in OH and OHA when using these tasks to investigate age-related declines in sensorimotor ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hugh Moulton
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Karen Rudie
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Ingenuity Labs Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sean P Dukelow
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Stephen H Scott
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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16
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Reemst K, Ruigrok SR, Bleker L, Naninck EFG, Ernst T, Kotah JM, Lucassen PJ, Roseboom TJ, Pollux BJA, de Rooij SR, Korosi A. Sex-dependence and comorbidities of the early-life adversity induced mental and metabolic disease risks: Where are we at? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104627. [PMID: 35339483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for developing later-life mental and metabolic disorders. However, if and to what extent ELA contributes to the comorbidity and sex-dependent prevalence/presentation of these disorders remains unclear. We here comprehensively review and integrate human and rodent ELA (pre- and postnatal) studies examining mental or metabolic health in both sexes and discuss the role of the placenta and maternal milk, key in transferring maternal effects to the offspring. We conclude that ELA impacts mental and metabolic health with sex-specific presentations that depend on timing of exposure, and that human and rodent studies largely converge in their findings. ELA is more often reported to impact cognitive and externalizing domains in males, internalizing behaviors in both sexes and concerning the metabolic dimension, adiposity in females and insulin sensitivity in males. Thus, ELA seems to be involved in the origin of the comorbidity and sex-specific prevalence/presentation of some of the most common disorders in our society. Therefore, ELA-induced disease states deserve specific preventive and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Reemst
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie R Ruigrok
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bleker
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva F G Naninck
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiffany Ernst
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janssen M Kotah
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J A Pollux
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Sex differences in perceptual processing of Chinese characters emerge in middle-grade primary school children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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18
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Ma ZY, Wu YY, Cui HYL, Yao GY, Bian H. Factors Influencing Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Clin Interv Aging 2022; 17:653-664. [PMID: 35520948 PMCID: PMC9063799 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s355242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ischemic stroke, which are common diseases among older people, are closely related to cognitive impairment. This study aims to investigate the influencing factors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with T2DM. Methods We enrolled 161 patients with T2DM who experienced acute ischemic stroke and were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong, China. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale. According to the results, patients were divided into three groups-the cognitively normal group, mild cognitive impairment group, and severe cognitive impairment group. We analyzed general demographic data, laboratory information, imaging data, the results of neuropsychological evaluation, and clinical features as well as influencing factors of PSCI in these patients and established a prediction model. Results The three groups of patients were significantly different in terms of age, education level, course of diabetes mellitus (DM), recurrent cerebral infarction (RCI), and other factors. RCI, course of DM, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were independent risk factors of PSCI in patients with T2DM, with odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 7.17 (2.09, 30.37), 5.39 (2.40, 14.59), and 3.89 (1.66, 10.04), respectively, whereas female, senior high school, serum albumin were protective factors: 0.28 (0.07, 0.95), 0.05 (0.01, 0.21), 0.20 (0.08, 0.42), respectively. Furthermore, we constructed a prediction model using sex, age, education level, RCI, DM course, HbA1c and serum albumin and obtained a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve is 0.966, suggesting the significant association of these influencing factors with PSCI in patients with T2DM. Conclusion In this study, the occurrence of PSCI in patients with T2DM was related to RCI, course of DM, and HbA1c, among other factors. Attention to influencing factors is needed in these patients for early diagnosis and timely intervention of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yin Ma
- Department of Diagnostic, Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Ya Wu
- Department of Emergency Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yin-Long Cui
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Yan Yao
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Bian
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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19
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Abstract
Sex and gender differences are seen in cognitive disturbances in a variety of neurological and psychiatry diseases. Men are more likely to have cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia whereas women are more likely to have more severe cognitive symptoms with major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, it is important to understand sex and gender differences in underlying cognitive abilities with and without disease. Sex differences are noted in performance across various cognitive domains - with males typically outperforming females in spatial tasks and females typically outperforming males in verbal tasks. Furthermore, there are striking sex differences in brain networks that are activated during cognitive tasks and in learning strategies. Although rarely studied, there are also sex differences in the trajectory of cognitive aging. It is important to pay attention to these sex differences as they inform researchers of potential differences in resilience to age-related cognitive decline and underlying mechanisms for both healthy and pathological cognitive aging, depending on sex. We review literature on the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease, as an example of pathological cognitive aging in which human females show greater lifetime risk, neuropathology, and cognitive impairment, compared to human males. Not surprisingly, the relationships between sex and cognition, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease are nuanced and multifaceted. As such, this chapter will end with a discussion of lifestyle factors, like education and diet, as modifiable factors that can alter cognitive aging by sex. Understanding how cognition changes across age and contributing factors, like sex differences, will be essential to improving care for older adults.
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20
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van Tetering MAJ, Jolles J, van der Elst W, Jolles DD. School Achievement in Early Adolescence Is Associated With Students' Self-Perceived Executive Functions. Front Psychol 2022; 12:734576. [PMID: 35370867 PMCID: PMC8964458 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.734576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relation between self-perceived executive functions (EFs) and the school achievement of young adolescents (aged 10-12 years), while controlling for parental education and sex. We specifically focused on executive aspects of daily life behavior and the higher-order EFs, as measured with self-report, rather than on the more basic EFs which have been the primary focus of prior investigations. In two independent samples of sixth graders (N > 200 each), students evaluated their EFs on a self-report questionnaire, the Amsterdam Executive Functioning Inventory. School achievement in the domains of mathematics and reading comprehension were evaluated with nationally used, norm-based achievement tests. Results revealed that the self-perceived EFs of young adolescents were significantly correlated with their school achievement in both study samples. School achievement was also correlated with the level of parental education, but the factor sex did not have such influence. In study 1, self-perceived EFs explained additional variance in school achievement, while controlling for parental education and sex. In study 2, this was only the case for the most robust measure of school achievement, i.e., the end-of-primary-school final achievement test. Furthermore, besides the relation with achievement tests, we also found a relation between self-perceived EFs and teacher ratings behavioral problems in the classroom. Together, our findings imply that young students can properly reflect on the effectiveness and appropriateness of their EFs in a way that is relevant to their academic achievement and classroom behavior. The findings underscore the importance of considering the development of EFs and parental education in the evaluation of academic achievements in early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. J. van Tetering
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Educational Sciences, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Denkkracht, Centre for Neuropsychological Expertise, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - J. Jolles
- Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - W. van der Elst
- Statistics and Decision Sciences, Johnson & Johnson, Beerse, Belgium
| | - D. D. Jolles
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Educational Sciences, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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21
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Dunkel CS, Madison G. The possible role of field independence/dependence on developmental sex differences in general intelligence. INTELLIGENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2022.101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Tsukamoto R, Kataoka Y, Mino K, Ishibashi N, Shibata M, Matsuo H, Fujiwara H. Gender Differences in Anxiety Among COVID-19 Inpatients Under Isolation: A Questionnaire Survey During the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. Front Public Health 2021; 9:708965. [PMID: 34746076 PMCID: PMC8563575 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.708965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assesses the gender differences in health and anxiety, especially pertaining to mental health problems and time-course effects. We surveyed 121 patients admitted to a hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis between March 1 and August 31, 2020. Their mental status was evaluated on admission using the Japanese General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory—Form JYZ (STAI). The patients were divided into two groups depending on the period of prevalence, that is, the first and second waves of the pandemic in Japan (from the beginning of March to the end of May 2020, Time 1 = T1; and from the beginning of June to the end of August 2020, Time 2 = T2). A multivariate analysis of covariance revealed significant differences in gender by time interactions in the GHQ-28 subscale “Insomnia and anxiety” and STAI subscale “State–Anxiety.” Post-hoc t-tests revealed that the scores of “Insomnia and Anxiety” and “State–Anxiety” were higher in women than in men at T1. However, no difference was observed at T2. Further, “Insomnia and Anxiety” and “State–Anxiety” were significantly higher at T1 than at T2 in female patients. There was no significant difference in males. Thus, female patients were more anxious and depressed in the early phase of the pandemic, whereas male patients had difficulties in coping with anxiety. We suggest more gender-specific mental care, particularly for women at the early stages of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Tsukamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Kataoka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyoto Min-Iren Asukai Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.,Clinical Epidemiology Section, Department of Community Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Mino
- Department of Psychiatry, Hyogo Prefectural Hyogo Mental Health Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishibashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Japan
| | - Mariko Shibata
- Department of Psychiatry, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroo Matsuo
- Department of Infectious Disease Internal Medicine, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Japan
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Society Team, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Riva D. Sex and gender difference in cognitive and behavioral studies in developmental age: An introduction. J Neurosci Res 2021; 101:543-552. [PMID: 34687075 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This paper introduces a special issue focused on sex and gender (s/g) cognitive/behavioral differences at developmental ages providing an overview of this multifaceted and debated topic. It will provide a description of the biological systems that are strongly interconnected to generate s/g differences, that is, genetic determinants, sex hormones, differences in brain structure, organization, and/or function, inherited or modifiable under environmental pressures. Developmental studies are rare. Some addressed whether s/g differences in cognitive/behavioral characteristics are evident early in life and are consistent throughout development, entailing that s/g differences can follow the evolving steps in girls and boys in different domains. The data are far from being homogeneous and consistent about s/g difference in language, social skills, and visuo/spatial abilities. The differences are small, often with overlapping performances, similar to what is seen in adulthood. Given that several variables and the interactions between them are implicated, further longitudinal studies adopting adequate assessment tools, very large size multicultural samples stratified in different, well-sized and precise age groups, considering biological and sociocultural variables, are needed. Due to the complexity of the issue, there is still the need to support and adopt an s/g difference approach also in cognitive and behavioral studies at developmental ages. Finally, these studies have not only scientific importance and relevant cultural, anthropological, and social implications, but are also useful for pedagogical programming as well as for the study of the different susceptibility to develop CNS diseases and consequently to promote different therapies and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Riva
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.,Fondazione Pierfranco e Luisa Mariani, Milano, Italy.,Fondazione Together To Go, Milano, Italy
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24
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Pankowski D, Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska K, Janowski K, Pisula E. Cognitive impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Joint Bone Spine 2021; 89:105298. [PMID: 34656753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An increasing number of studies have demonstrated cognitive impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The literature indicates many factors play an important role in this clinical problem, such as the severity of depressive symptoms and the treatment used. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies comparing cognitive functioning between healthy participants and RA patients and to determine both the severity and potential moderators of cognitive impairment. METHODS For this purpose, 16 studies that fulfilled all selection criteria were carefully selected. Altogether, 921 patients with RA (812 women and 109 men) and 700 controls participated in these studies. Due to the inability to perform a network meta-analysis, it was decided to determine the effect sizes for studies which used the same measurement methods. RESULTS The analysis demonstrated greater impairment of cognitive functioning in patients with RA than in healthy controls, with effect sizes ranging from small to large, depending on the assessment method used in the study. CONCLUSIONS The study pinpoints potential biases, lack of replication, and inconsistencies in reporting data as possible confounding factors and suggests further recommendations for assessment methods, research directions and clinical implications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pankowski
- Institute of Psychology, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 01-030 Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Kinga Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 01-030 Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Konrad Janowski
- Institute of Psychology, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 01-030 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Pisula
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland
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Kestens K, Degeest S, Miatton M, Keppler H. Visual and Verbal Working Memory and Processing Speed Across the Adult Lifespan: The Effect of Age, Sex, Educational Level, Awakeness, and Hearing Sensitivity. Front Psychol 2021; 12:668828. [PMID: 34721133 PMCID: PMC8551836 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.668828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To strengthen future methodological choices regarding the measurement of cognition within the field of audiology, the current study aimed to examine the effect of, among other things, hearing sensitivity on the backward corsi tapping task (i.e., visual working memory and processing speed) and the letter-number sequencing task (i.e., verbal working memory and processing speed). Design and Study Sample: The backward corsi tapping task and the letter-number sequencing task were administered to 184 participants, aged between 18 and 69 years. The effect of age, sex, educational level, awakeness, and hearing sensitivity on verbal and visual working memory and processing speed was assessed using stepwise multiple regression analyses. Results: For all outcome variables, a decrease in performance was observed with increasing age. For visual and verbal working memory, males outperformed females, whereas no clear sex effect was observed for visual and verbal processing speed. Hearing sensitivity had only a significant impact on visual processing speed. Conclusion: The importance to evaluate cognitive construct validity within audiological research was highlighted. Further research should focus on investigating the associations between speech understanding on the one hand and the backward corsi tapping task and letter-number sequencing task on the other hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Kestens
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Degeest
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marijke Miatton
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannah Keppler
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Abeare CA, An K, Tyson B, Holcomb M, Cutler L, May N, Erdodi LA. The emotion word fluency test as an embedded performance validity indicator - Alone and in a multivariate validity composite. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2021; 11:713-724. [PMID: 34424798 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2021.1939027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This project was designed to cross-validate existing performance validity cutoffs embedded within measures of verbal fluency (FAS and animals) and develop new ones for the Emotion Word Fluency Test (EWFT), a novel measure of category fluency. METHOD The classification accuracy of the verbal fluency tests was examined in two samples (70 cognitively healthy university students and 52 clinical patients) against psychometrically defined criterion measures. RESULTS A demographically adjusted T-score of ≤31 on the FAS was specific (.88-.97) to noncredible responding in both samples. Animals T ≤ 29 achieved high specificity (.90-.93) among students at .27-.38 sensitivity. A more conservative cutoff (T ≤ 27) was needed in the patient sample for a similar combination of sensitivity (.24-.45) and specificity (.87-.93). An EWFT raw score ≤5 was highly specific (.94-.97) but insensitive (.10-.18) to invalid performance. Failing multiple cutoffs improved specificity (.90-1.00) at variable sensitivity (.19-.45). CONCLUSIONS Results help resolve the inconsistency in previous reports, and confirm the overall utility of existing verbal fluency tests as embedded validity indicators. Multivariate models of performance validity assessment are superior to single indicators. The clinical utility and limitations of the EWFT as a novel measure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Abeare
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Track, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly An
- Private Practice, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brad Tyson
- Evergreen Health Medical Center, Kirkland, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew Holcomb
- Jefferson Neurobehavioral Group, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Laura Cutler
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Track, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie May
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Track, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laszlo A Erdodi
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Track, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Baptiste YM. Digital Feast and Physical Famine: The Altered Ecosystem of Anatomy Education due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2021; 14:399-407. [PMID: 33961346 PMCID: PMC8239895 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on the evolution of both physical and digital cadavers within the unique ecosystem of the anatomy laboratory. A physical cadaver is a traditional and established learning tool in anatomy education, whereas a digital cadaver is a relatively recent phenomenon. The Covid-19 pandemic presented a major disturbance and disruption to all levels and types of education, including anatomy education. This article constructs a conceptual metaphor between a typical anatomy laboratory and an ecosystem, and considers the affordances, constraints, and changing roles of physical and digital cadavers within anatomy education through an ecological lens. Adaptation of physical and digital cadavers during the disturbance is analyzed, and the resiliency of digital cadaver technology is recognized. The evolving role of the digital cadaver is considered in terms of increasing accessibility and inclusivity within the anatomy laboratory ecosystem of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne M. Baptiste
- Division of Science, Health, and MathematicsNiagara County Community CollegeSanbornNew York
- Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning PhD ProgramState University of New York at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
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28
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Aguilar Ramirez DE, Blinch J, Gonzalez CLR. One brick at a time: Building a developmental profile of spatial abilities. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22155. [PMID: 34196396 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spatial abilities are not only fundamental for activities of daily living, but they are also markers of academic and professional success. It has remained a challenge, however, to understand their development across childhood and adolescence, partly because of the lack of spatial tasks that are appropriate across age groups. For example, the well-established paper-based mental rotation test (MRT) has been shown to be too difficult for children. In the current study, we tested girls and boys in three age groups: younger children (5-8-years-old), older children (9-12), and adolescents (13-17) on a hands-on visuospatial task using toy bricks: the brick-building task (BBT). Children completed a low- and a high-mental rotation demand (LMR and HMR) version of the BBT and the paper-based MRT. Correlations were found between all tasks. Children, especially females, found the HMR more challenging than the LMR condition, but all children successfully completed the BBT. In contrast, the MRT was too difficult for the younger children to solve performing at chance. Given this result and that the BBT is a game-like, 3D, interactive task, the BBT could be used to examine the biological and/or environmental factors that affect the early development of visuospatial abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela E Aguilar Ramirez
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jarrod Blinch
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Claudia L R Gonzalez
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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29
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Makris G, Pervanidou P, Chouliaras G, Stachtea X, Valavani E, Bastaki D, Korkoliakou P, Bali P, Poulaki K, Chrousos GP, Papageorgiou C. Diverse patterns of vulnerability to visual illusions in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Cogn Process 2021; 22:659-673. [PMID: 34152544 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-021-01041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Research on how children with neurodevelopmental disorders perceive, process, and interpret visual illusions (VIs) has been extensively focused on children with autism spectrum disorder providing controversial findings. In this study, we investigated the patterns of vulnerability to a wide set of VIs comprising 23 standard text book VIs and their variations in a clinical sample of children with neurodevelopmental disorders compared to typically developing children (TD). A total of 176 children, aged between 4.6 and 13.8 years old, were distributed into four groups: high-functioning autism (HFA; N = 23), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; N = 42), specific learning disorder (SLD; N = 70), and TD (N = 41). Regression models, adjusted for sex, age, and non-verbal IQ, showed that HFA was associated with greater responses accuracy than TD children to the full battery of VIs, to the cognitive illusions, to the distortions, and to both geometrical illusions of size/shape (cognitive distortions) and lightness contrast effects (physical distortions). The susceptibility of ADHD children was found attenuated for illusory contours and greater for paradoxical illusions in comparison with TD children. No significant differences were shown between the SLD group and the TD children. Our findings, which were adjusted for the same duration of visual working memory across groups, showed that there is a potential specific tendency of HFA children to failure of processing visual information in context. Contrarily, children with ADHD showed in general normal global processing such as children diagnosed with SLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Makris
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Giorgos Chouliaras
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Xanthi Stachtea
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Eginition" University Hospital, Vasilissis Sophias 72-74, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Valavani
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Despoina Bastaki
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Panagiota Korkoliakou
- Second Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Rimini 1, 12462, Athens, Haidari, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Bali
- Second Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Rimini 1, 12462, Athens, Haidari, Greece
| | - Kiriaki Poulaki
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychophysiology and Stress Research, Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias, 11527, Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Charalabos Papageorgiou
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Eginition" University Hospital, Vasilissis Sophias 72-74, 11528, Athens, Greece
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30
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Li J, Yu Y, Zhao J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Ding K, Gao X, Zhang K. Genetic variants of the type-3 metabotropic glutamate receptor gene associated with human spatial localization ability. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Tolea MI, Chrisphonte S, Galvin JE. The Effect of Sociodemographics, Physical Function, and Mood on Dementia Screening in a Multicultural Cohort. Clin Interv Aging 2020; 15:2249-2263. [PMID: 33293802 PMCID: PMC7719316 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s257809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess age, sex, race and ethnicity disparities in cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults and identify factors that contribute to these disparities. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cognitive performance (global and domain-specific) and self-reported cognitive function were compared among Black (N=57), Hispanic (N=139), and White (N=108) older adults. The impact of socioeconomic status (SES), physical functionality, and mood indicators was assessed with a combination of hierarchical general linear models and mediation analysis. RESULTS Poorer cognitive performance and higher levels of impairment were found in older adults from racial and ethnic backgrounds. The contribution of lower SES to the observed racial and ethnic disparities in objective cognitive performance was 33% in Hispanics and about 20% in Blacks, while poorer physical functionality explained over half of the differences between Black and White participants. Higher self-reported cognitive impairment in minorities was explained by lower SES and higher depressive symptoms in Hispanics but not in Blacks. CONCLUSION Performance on objective memory testing and self-reported cognition are greatly influenced by relevant biological, sociodemographic and medical variables. Dementia screening programs should be tailored to individual sociodemographic groups based on contributors that are specific to each group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena I Tolea
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie Chrisphonte
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Gaillard A, Fehring DJ, Rossell SL. A systematic review and meta-analysis of behavioural sex differences in executive control. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:519-542. [PMID: 32844505 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Literature investigating whether an individuals' sex affects their executive control abilities and performance on cognitive tasks in a normative population has been contradictory and inconclusive. Using meta-analytic procedures (abiding by PRISMA guidelines), this study attempts to identify the magnitude of behavioural sex differences in three prominent executive control domains of cognitive set-shifting, performance monitoring, and response inhibition. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched. Across 46 included studies, a total of 1988 females and 1884 males were included in the analysis. Overall, males and females did not differ on performance in any of the three domains of performance monitoring, response inhibition, or cognitive set-shifting. Task-specific sex differences were observed in the domains of performance monitoring, in the CANTAB Spatial Working Memory task-males scored statistically higher than females (Hedges' g = -0.60), and response inhibition, in the Delay Discounting task-females scored statistically higher than males (Hedges' g = 0.64). While the meta-analysis did not detect overall behavioural sex differences in executive control, significant heterogeneity and task-specific sex differences were found. To further understand sex differences within these specific tasks and domains, future research must better control for age and sex hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gaillard
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel J Fehring
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Integrative Brain Function, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.,Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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33
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Adani S, Cepanec M. Sex differences in early communication development: behavioral and neurobiological indicators of more vulnerable communication system development in boys. Croat Med J 2019; 60:141-149. [PMID: 31044585 PMCID: PMC6509633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Perhaps due to different roles they have had in social groups during evolution, men and women differ in their verbal abilities. These differences are also (if not even more) present in children, both in the course of typical and pathological development. Beside the fact that girls have a well-documented advantage in early language development, almost all developmental disorders primarily affecting communication, speech, and language skills are more frequent in boys. The sex-related difference in the prevalence of these disorders is especially pronounced in autism spectrum disorder (1 girl for each 4-5 boys is affected). The aim of this review is to present the sex differences in typical communication and language development and in the prevalence of communication-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Also, a special focus is put on data from the field of neuroscience that might provide insight into the neurobiological mechanisms that can add to the understanding of this phenomenon. We argue that the functional organization of the female brain gives women an inherent advantage in the acquisition of communication and language system over men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maja Cepanec
- Maja Cepanec, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Borongajska cesta 83f, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia,
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Hajali V, Andersen ML, Negah SS, Sheibani V. Sex differences in sleep and sleep loss-induced cognitive deficits: The influence of gonadal hormones. Horm Behav 2019; 108:50-61. [PMID: 30597139 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Males and females can respond differentially to the same environmental stimuli and experimental conditions. Chronic sleep loss is a frequent and growing problem in many modern societies and has a broad variety of negative outcomes for health and well-being. While much has been done to explore the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on cognition in both human and animal studies over the last few decades, very little attention has been paid to the part played by sex differences and gonadal steroids in respect of changes in cognitive functions caused by sleep loss. The effects of gonadal hormones on sleep regulation and cognitive performances are well established. Reduced gonadal function in menopausal women and elderly men is associated with sleep disturbances and cognitive decline as well as dementia, which suggests that sex steroids play a key role in modulating these conditions. Finding out whether there are sex differences in respect of the effect of insufficient sleep on cognition, and how neuroendocrine mediators influence cognitive impairment induced by SD could provide valuable insights into the best therapies for each sex. In this review, we aim to highlight the involvement of sex differences and gonadal hormone status on the severity of cognitive deficits induced by sleep deficiency in both human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Hajali
- Department of Neuroscience, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Monica L Andersen
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Sajad Sahab Negah
- Department of Neuroscience, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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