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Gender differences in cognitive reserve: implication for subjective cognitive decline in women
Giulia Giacomucci1, Salvatore Mazzeo1,2, Sonia Padiglioni3,4
1Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
Summary
Sex influences cognitive reserve in Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). Education may contribute less to cognitive reserve in women, affecting onset and severity of SCD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) signifies self-reported cognitive decline despite normal test performance, increasing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) risk.
- Cognitive reserve is crucial in the progression from SCD to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and AD.
- Investigating gender differences in cognitive reserve is essential for understanding SCD modulation by sex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine gender-specific differences in cognitive reserve.
- To determine how biological sex influences the role of cognitive reserve in Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD).
Main Methods:
- Study included 381 patients with SCD.
- Evaluations included clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing, premorbid intelligence (Test di Intelligenza Breve - TIB), cognitive complaints (Memory Assessment Clinics Questionnaire - MAC-Q), and APOE genotyping.
- Multivariate analysis was used to assess relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Women comprised a larger proportion of SCD patients (68.7%) and were younger at onset and baseline.
- Women had lower education, lower TIB scores, and higher MAC-Q scores compared to men.
- Premorbid intelligence (TIB) influenced SCD onset and severity, with sex independently affecting TIB and education's impact varying between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Sex interacts with premorbid intelligence and education in influencing SCD onset and severity.
- Education may be a less significant contributor to cognitive reserve in women compared to men.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences in cognitive reserve research for SCD and AD risk.
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