Takahashi, R., Ishii, K., Kakigi, T., & Yokoyama, K. (2010) Gender and age differences in normal adult human brain: Voxel-based morphometric study. Human Brain Mapping. DOI: 10.1002/hbm.21088 Gender and age differences in normal adult human brain: Voxel-based morphometric study
Brain Aging: Men and Women Do It Differently
Posted by admin 55 days ago (http://brainposts.blogspot.com)
Improved structural and functional brain imaging technologies provide assistance in understanding brain gender differences. A Japanese study of the effects of age and gender has been recently published in Human Brain Mapping. The study focussed on brain gray and white matter volumes in a variety of brain regions. Gray matter volumes declined with age in both genders. In the younger subjects, few differences were found between men and women in regional brain volumes. However, as the older age groups (over 50 years of age) were studied, some gender nonspecific and specific regional effects emerged.Gray matter volume declined similarly in men and women in the following regions:insulathalamuscingulatemedial frontal cortexmedial occipital cortexWomen show better preservation (less decline with age):inferior frontal gyrusanterior cingulate gyrusthalamushypothalamusMen showed better brain preservation (less decline with age):occipital cortexWhat could explain the gender differences in brain aging? There is some research support for women showing a frontal cortex (executive function) predominance while men are more likely to demonstrate an occipital (visual function predominance).The authors propose a role for sex hormone effects in preserving the gender predominance pattern during the aging process. Animal studies suggest a differential role for estrogens and androgen in brain structure. Estrogen receptors appear to be concentrated in the frontal cortex. Androgen receptors are increased in the occipital lobe. Androgens have been associated with reduced cell death rates in the occipital lobe. The Japanese study was cross-sectional in nature and did not actually follow changes in brain structure over time. Prospective studies of the brain aging process will be needed to confirm this studies primary findings. Sex hormone levels and function may be valuable in understanding brain aging in men and women across the lifespan. Photo of Wagon from Weston, Missouri Red Barn Farm Courtesy of Yates photography.Takahashi, R., Ishii, K., Kakigi, T., & Yokoyama, K. (2010). Gender and age differences in normal adult human brain: Voxel-based morphometric study Human Brain Mapping DOI: 10.1002/hbm.21088...
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