Click here for Part A/B, in case you missed it earlier in the week.
Now that we've established the differences in brain size and matter between the two genders, there is also exploration of how the sex hormones may affect the development and reaction to LBD, AD, PD, and other forms of dementia.
According to the Society for Neuroscience (2006), they did discover there were more commonaities between women suffering from Parkinson's (PD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), than between men suffering from the two afflictions. While this leads to more questions, perhaps if we follow this winding path we may be able to uncover more answers and discover more questions.
Let's move back to the womb, just as a starting point, in order to understand the brain differences.
Sexual differentiation of the brain is cuased by sex hormones acting in fetal and early postnatal
life, although recent evidence points to genes onthe & chormomes contributing to this process.
Sex differences go well beyond sexual behavior and reporduction and affect many brain regions
and functinos, ranging from mechanisms for percieving pain and dealing with stess to strategies
for solving cognitive problems. Although differences exist, the brains of men and women are
more similar than they are different. (The Neuron.Society for Neuroscience. page 9.
Washington. 2008)
So, as we advance through life from the day of birth we are influenced by those hormones and chromosomes. They truly influence so much about us without our even being aware. This also contributes to thinking processes and behavior, as well as development and growth.
There are also studies which deal with women and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). According to Healthday, HRT was found to contribute to a greater risk of dementia in women, as well as breast cancer, asthma, heart conditions among a vareity of other problems.
According to the National Institutes of Health, women who took HRT post-menopause or around age 65 were twice as likely to develop AD (Alzheimer's) as those who didn't. There are still studies examining the effects on those who take it pre-menopause and during the phase. There is evidence, too that should the HRT take place within 10 years before age 63 the risk-level was lowered (Hormonal Influences on Cognition and Risks for Alzheimer's).
Now, what about men and testosterone? Well, According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine there is a link. Men with low testosterone levels were more prone to AD and this greatly increased if they were over 80 and had higher levels of education. Women and testosterone demonstrated increased verbal capacity and memory. This is being studied further, as the evidence points to testosterone actually working as a brain protector. There are also some blog posts in which there is evidence that it can aid those suffering from MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment).
Now, as to why more men are susceptible to Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia (PD & LBD), this too, could be hormonal, but there is no clear evidence that could be located at this time. And, for those who aren't aware, Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia are closely related, as PD is caused by the Lewy Bodies (Alpha-synuclein acids) destroying the cells responsible for dopamine in the substantia nigra portion of the brain. LBD is caused when the bodies attack the cerebral cortex and other regions.
There is an interesting article, though on WebMD which discusses how hormone levels affect a woman's risk for developing PD or LBD. It's truly worth the gander.
So, at this time I will be off. I hope to continue seeking more answers as I'm growing more fascinated by this topic and I'm sure it will lead to even better information and topics.
Now that we've established the differences in brain size and matter between the two genders, there is also exploration of how the sex hormones may affect the development and reaction to LBD, AD, PD, and other forms of dementia.
According to the Society for Neuroscience (2006), they did discover there were more commonaities between women suffering from Parkinson's (PD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), than between men suffering from the two afflictions. While this leads to more questions, perhaps if we follow this winding path we may be able to uncover more answers and discover more questions.
Let's move back to the womb, just as a starting point, in order to understand the brain differences.
Sexual differentiation of the brain is cuased by sex hormones acting in fetal and early postnatal
life, although recent evidence points to genes onthe & chormomes contributing to this process.
Sex differences go well beyond sexual behavior and reporduction and affect many brain regions
and functinos, ranging from mechanisms for percieving pain and dealing with stess to strategies
for solving cognitive problems. Although differences exist, the brains of men and women are more similar than they are different. (The Neuron.Society for Neuroscience. page 9.
Washington. 2008)
So, as we advance through life from the day of birth we are influenced by those hormones and chromosomes. They truly influence so much about us without our even being aware. This also contributes to thinking processes and behavior, as well as development and growth.
There are also studies which deal with women and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). According to Healthday, HRT was found to contribute to a greater risk of dementia in women, as well as breast cancer, asthma, heart conditions among a vareity of other problems.
According to the National Institutes of Health, women who took HRT post-menopause or around age 65 were twice as likely to develop AD (Alzheimer's) as those who didn't. There are still studies examining the effects on those who take it pre-menopause and during the phase. There is evidence, too that should the HRT take place within 10 years before age 63 the risk-level was lowered (Hormonal Influences on Cognition and Risks for Alzheimer's).
Now, what about men and testosterone? Well, According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine there is a link. Men with low testosterone levels were more prone to AD and this greatly increased if they were over 80 and had higher levels of education. Women and testosterone demonstrated increased verbal capacity and memory. This is being studied further, as the evidence points to testosterone actually working as a brain protector. There are also some blog posts in which there is evidence that it can aid those suffering from MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment).
Now, as to why more men are susceptible to Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia (PD & LBD), this too, could be hormonal, but there is no clear evidence that could be located at this time. And, for those who aren't aware, Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia are closely related, as PD is caused by the Lewy Bodies (Alpha-synuclein acids) destroying the cells responsible for dopamine in the substantia nigra portion of the brain. LBD is caused when the bodies attack the cerebral cortex and other regions.
There is an interesting article, though on WebMD which discusses how hormone levels affect a woman's risk for developing PD or LBD. It's truly worth the gander.
So, at this time I will be off. I hope to continue seeking more answers as I'm growing more fascinated by this topic and I'm sure it will lead to even better information and topics.
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