This is an open question. For genetic and hormonal reasons, there are small anatomical differences in size and structure as well as physiological differences in the way the brain works, e.g. in the functional connection of brain areas or protein expression. This results in different activity patterns and physiological processes in neuronal processing, which can lead to gender-specific behavior but do not bring any cognitive advantage to either the female or male brain.

In the case of pathological processes in the brain, there are clearer differences, together with psychosocial aspects. Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression and chronic pain, men are more likely to suffer from Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit and schizophrenia. Gender-sensitive neurological research is therefore crucial for more effective therapies.