'Brain sex difference: the new equality', South Kensington, UK

Event date:
2012-10-10 An event entitled 'Brain sex difference: the new equality' will take place on 10 October 2012 in South Kensington, UK.

Although once considered a politically incorrect view, substantial evidence shows there are fundamental differences in the brains of men and women. This is largely due to differences in the hormonal and genetic environment in which fetuses develop. For brain regions regulating reproduction this is essential for survival of the species, but other brain regions become sexually differentiated by default. This has clinical significance because structural and functional differences are thought to underpin prevalent sex differences in brain disorders.

The midbrain dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems regulate emotions and movement, and are dysfunctional in disorders including schizophrenia, Parkinson's and depression. Studies have shown clear sex-specific patterns in development, structure, function and degeneration.

Although neither brain is superior, the event aims to explains why understanding the differences between sexes is crucial to treating disorders such as Parkinson's and develop optimal therapeutic strategies for both sexes.

Quality validation date:
2012-09-20