Sex-Specific Neurocognitive Impairment.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Neurocognitive impairment research has historically underrepresented women and gender/sexual minorities.
• Understanding sex and gender differences is crucial for accurate neurocognitive assessment and treatment.
• Existing research often lacks sex/gender-specific normative data, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore sex-specific neurocognitive impairment.
• To define key terms like gender and sex in the context of neurocognition.
• To review the current research landscape and assessment challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on sex/gender differences in neurocognition.
• Application of a biopsychosocial framework to analyze determinants of neurocognitive impairment.
• Discussion of methodological issues in neurocognitive assessment, including normative data.

Main Results:

• Significant under-representation of diverse populations in neuroscience and cognitive studies.
• Biopsychosocial factors significantly influence sex/gender-specific neurocognitive outcomes.
• Challenges exist in developing and applying sex/gender-specific assessment tools.

Conclusions:

• Addressing under-representation and employing a biopsychosocial model are essential for understanding sex-specific neurocognitive impairment.
• Development of sex/gender-specific normative data is critical for accurate neurocognitive evaluation.
• Further research is needed across various medical conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and COVID-19.