Effects of executive function on age-related emotion recognition decline varied by sex

Abstract

This study delves into the criticality of Emotion recognition (ER) as a pivotal component of social functionality and psychological well-being, focusing on its susceptibility to aging and sex-related differences. Underpinned by the 'frontal aging hypothesis,' which posits a particular vulnerability of executive functions to the aging process, this study aims to unravel the intricate dynamics of how aging influences ER in both sexes, emphasizing the mediating role of executive functions. A cohort of 127 healthy adults underwent the Multi-Modality Emotion Recognition Test mobile application to assess facial ER and cross-modal matching abilities. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments supplemented this to evaluate various facets of executive function. The analysis indicated a pronounced decline in ER performance among older adults, with no significant sex differences across age groups. However, gender-specific patterns emerged in the aging-ER relationship. For males, cognitive flexibility (β = 0.399, p < 0.001) and inhibition (β = 0.329, p = 0.020) were partial mediators. In females, working memory (β = −0.297, p = 0.023) and selective attention (β = 0.290, p = 0.042) moderated the aging-facial ER link, with inhibition (β = 0.284, p = 0.015) also playing a partial mediating role. Additionally, inhibition (β = 0.194, p = 0.043) moderated the relationship between aging and the female's cross-modal matching. The findings highlight a gender-differentiated impact of executive functions on age-related ER decline. This underscores the need for gender-tailored approaches in enhancing ER, particularly in an aging population.