A second X chromosome improves cognition in aging male and female mice.

ABSTRACT

Women show resilience to cognitive aging, in the absence of dementia, in many populations. To dissect sex differences, we utilized the FCG and XY* mouse models. Female gonads and sex chromosomes improved cognition in aging mice of both sexes. Further, presence of a second X in male and female mice conferred cognitive resilience while its absence in females blocked it. In the hippocampal proteome of aging female mice, the second X increased proteins involved in synaptogenesis signaling - a potential pathway to improved cognition.