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Sex-based memory advantages and cognitive aging: a challenge to the cognitive reserve construct?
Richard J Caselli1, Amylou C Dueck2, Dona E C Locke3
11Department of Neurology,Mayo Clinic Arizona,Scottsdale,Arizona.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|February 10, 2015
Summary
Sex differences in memory do not protect against age-related cognitive decline, even in individuals with the APOE ɛ4 gene. Cognitive reserve (CR) is not mitigated by sex-based memory advantages.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Aging
- Genetics
Background:
- Cognitive reserve (CR) is difficult to measure due to environmental confounders.
- Sex-based memory differences may offer a more reliable proxy for CR.
- Memory decline occurs during preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cognitive reserve mitigates age-related memory decline.
- To examine the influence of gender and APOE genotype on longitudinal memory performance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed longitudinal memory in healthy men and women using verbal and visuospatial tests.
- Included cohorts enriched for APOE ɛ4 carriers and a larger National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) cohort.
- Analyzed memory decline rates across different genders and APOE genotypes.
Main Results:
- APOE ɛ4 carriers showed accelerated age-related memory decline across verbal and visuospatial measures.
- Baseline sex differences in memory were maintained over time.
- No significant sex differences were found in the rate of memory decline.
Conclusions:
- Sex-based memory advantages do not mitigate age-related memory decline.
- APOE ɛ4 genotype significantly accelerates memory decline.
- Gender and APOE genotype are critical factors in understanding cognitive aging and dementia risk.
Keywords:
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