Dual-Task Paradigm Reveals Variation in Left Hemisphere Involvement in Verbal Processing Across the Menstrual Cycle...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Fluctuating estradiol and progesterone levels across the menstrual cycle impact cognitive performance and cerebral hemispheric function.
• Existing literature presents mixed findings regarding the specific effects of elevated ovarian hormones on each brain hemisphere.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential shifts in hemispheric involvement for verbal problem-solving tasks across the menstrual cycle using a dual-task paradigm.
• To address the gap in research utilizing dual-task procedures to examine menstrual cycle-related hemispheric function changes.

Main Methods:

• A dual-task paradigm was employed with 30 normally cycling females (18-21 years old).
• Participants completed unilateral finger-tapping tasks concurrently with silent or aloud anagram solving during menses and midluteal phases.
• Hemispheric involvement was assessed via finger-tapping interference during dual-task conditions.

Main Results:

• Silent anagram solving showed left hemisphere lateralization, while aloud solving indicated bilateral involvement, consistent across menstrual phases.
• Cognitive performance on silent anagrams improved significantly during the midluteal phase when tapping with the right hand.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest enhanced left hemisphere resource recruitment for lateralized verbal tasks during the midluteal phase (elevated ovarian hormones).
• This supports existing research indicating hormonal influences on cognitive and hemispheric function throughout the menstrual cycle.