Considering Biological Sex and Diversity in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Episodic Memory and Aging

Age-related episodic memory decline negatively impacts older adults’ quality of life and can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Two-thirds of AD cases are in females; yet we know little about why this difference in AD prevalence exists. In addition, racial and ethnic disparities in social determinants of health can influence brain health and AD risk. However, few brain imaging studies of aging and AD have included diverse research participants. This lack of diversity in past work raises concerns about the generalizability of current neurocognitive models of aging and AD.

In her talk, Dr. Rajah presents findings from the Montreal Adult Lifespan Study of Episodic Memory that highlight how considerations of biological sex can advance our understanding of normative aging and inform AD research. She will conclude by presenting lessons she has learned on how to conduct more inclusive cognitive neuroscience research.

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