X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parenting & Play by Friso
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-schooler
    • Kids
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Money Parenting
    • Tips for Parents
    • Tips for Toddlers
    • Tips for Older Kids
    • The 5 Personas
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

Are Male and Female Brains Different? Science Gives You The Answer

10 Dec, 2018
Are Male and Female Brains Different? Science Gives You The AnswerAre Male and Female Brains Different? Science Gives You The Answer

A new study finds that there are big differences between the male and female brain...

It’s an age-old question: Are male and female brains different? It looks like we finally have an answer, and one that’s verified by science, at that. 

Male brain vs. female brain: The big differences

Research has verified what most women have suspected. Male and female brains are not the same, and female brains are more active.

In the biggest brain imaging survey to date, scientists compared brain scans from 119 healthy volunteers and 26,683 patients with a range of psychiatric conditions such as brain trauma, bipolar and mood disorders.

This study by Amen Clinics, California, found that women’s brains are significantly more active in  more regions.  The findings help to shed light on how brain disorders affect men and women differently. 

 “The quantifiable differences are important for understanding gender-based risk for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Daniel G. Amen, a lead author, psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics.

How are male and female brains different?

Are male and female brains different

Are male and female brains different? Brains are not grey and not the same for males and females | Source: Pixabay

The study found that women’s brains were significantly more active in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain involved in focus and impulse control.

Greater blood flow can explain why women tend to be stronger in empathy, intuition, collaboration, self-control and in showing appropriate concern.

The limbic or emotional areas of the woman’s brain are also more active than in men. This area is responsible for mood and anxiety. Increased blood flow here may partially explain why women are more prone to anxiety, depression, insomnia and eating disorders.

The findings conclude that women are also more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, men have higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct-related disorders.

Tips to avoid mental decline

Although difficult to understand, the human brain is changeable and should be taken care of. The brain changes with age. Likewise, mental function changes with age.  

So, regardless of your gender, take note of the following tips that’ll help you care for your brain and keep it in tip-top working condition as you age. 

  • Generate new cells through brain activity by taking a new course, reading or doing “mental gymnastics” such as word puzzles or math problems.
  • Physical exercise and good nutrition will help your mind as well as your body. Exercise spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells.
  • Eat a Mediterranean style diet that emphasis fruits, vegetables, nuts and unsaturated oil. This can prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
  • Improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels by living a healthy lifestyle. This will also help prevent cognitive impairment and reduce the risk of dementia.

Mums, do take note that this same study shows that women are more prone to depression and anxiety. So, take this as a heads-up to watch out for signs of these conditions (including post-natal depression) and ask for help when needed. 

Also read: Smiling depression is very real

Sources: Harvard Medical School, IOS Press, Weforum.org

Partner Stories
Singapore's Dengue Cases Surpass The 35,000 Mark, Highest Since 2013
Singapore's Dengue Cases Surpass The 35,000 Mark, Highest Since 2013
Typhoon Haiyan relief effort
Typhoon Haiyan relief effort
What parents can learn from the Boston bombings
What parents can learn from the Boston bombings
The brainy bunch - 6 siblings begin college by age 12!
The brainy bunch - 6 siblings begin college by age 12!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Elaine Boey

  • Home
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Are Male and Female Brains Different? Science Gives You The Answer
Share:
  • Staffing of female pilots in Lufthansa!

    Staffing of female pilots in Lufthansa!

  • How Does Depression Manifest In Men?

    How Does Depression Manifest In Men?

  • Woman and Son Locked Out of Yishun Flat by Landlord, Forced to Spend Night in Stairwell

    Woman and Son Locked Out of Yishun Flat by Landlord, Forced to Spend Night in Stairwell

  • Mum Discovers 'Hole' In Her Baby's Mouth, Rushes To Hospital Before Realising Her Mistake

    Mum Discovers 'Hole' In Her Baby's Mouth, Rushes To Hospital Before Realising Her Mistake

app info
get app banner
  • Staffing of female pilots in Lufthansa!

    Staffing of female pilots in Lufthansa!

  • How Does Depression Manifest In Men?

    How Does Depression Manifest In Men?

  • Woman and Son Locked Out of Yishun Flat by Landlord, Forced to Spend Night in Stairwell

    Woman and Son Locked Out of Yishun Flat by Landlord, Forced to Spend Night in Stairwell

  • Mum Discovers 'Hole' In Her Baby's Mouth, Rushes To Hospital Before Realising Her Mistake

    Mum Discovers 'Hole' In Her Baby's Mouth, Rushes To Hospital Before Realising Her Mistake

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and lifestyle updates.