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An Introduction to the Neuroscience of Gender. Gender and the Brain Hormones- memory Neuroanatomy-language Neurophysiology-heart Neurochemistry-anxiety Quiz. Gender and Hormones. Oxytocin Testosterone Estrogen Differences between men and women How does this relate clinically?
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An Introduction to the Neuroscience of Gender
Gender and the Brain Hormones- memory Neuroanatomy-language Neurophysiology-heart Neurochemistry-anxiety Quiz
Gender and Hormones • Oxytocin • Testosterone • Estrogen • Differences between men and women • How does this relate clinically? • Types of memory • A case history
Types of Memory Procedural • Regions involved • “How” Memories Declarative • Semantic versus Episodic • Facts versus Events • “Who”, “What” versus “When”, “Where” Memories Working Memory Forgetting Memory and Intelligence
Mary’s Story 58 year old housewife, mother of two. Memory loss since age 52, feels it has progressed Mixed up words Needed “Post-its for everything” Couldn’t dial numbers well “Phased out” during conversations Felt “fuzzy in the mind” Became irritable and snappy
Cognitive and mood changes observed in peri-menopause and menopause • Reduced verbal memory • Reduced visual memory • Reduces word fluency, naming • Reasoning • Recall and delayed recall • Impaired concentration and attention • Depressed mood • May affect other mental functions
Neuroanatomy- Language • Gray matter • White matter • Men vs Women
Neurophysiology and Gender • Broken heart syndrome- Takotsubo’s cardiomyopathy • Stroke
Neurochemistry and Gender • Serotonin • Norephinephrine • Acetylcholine • GABA, Glutamate
Gender and Mood Disorders Childhood familial environment and adverse experiences: Females are at greater risk of sexual abuse and seem to be more sensitive to the effect of adverse experiences in childhood Prior depression and anxiety disorders: Females are at increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders at earlier ages Social roles and cultural norms: Role limitation with associated lack of choice, role overload and competing social roles contribute to females' increased risk of depressive illness Adverse life events Females do not experience higher rates of adverse life events but may differ in experience Vulnerability and coping style No consistent gender differences Social support No contribution Genetic factors No direct contribution Gonadal hormones Partial effect, although smaller than that of environmental variables Adrenal axis and thyroid axis Contrasting findings for adrenal axis; Limited role for thyroid axis Neurotransmitter systems Uncertainty about their effects BJP-2010
Quiz • Types of Memory? • Language in Women? • Name some neurotransmitters • Takotsubo’s Cardiomyopathy