Page 59 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

The Intelligent Mind • 43

thing, like language, that we are all called upon to use. In
addition, this is one of the primary mental abilities often
tested on IQ tests.
An example of spatial abilities is the capability to answer
the question, “Is the top of a horse’s tail located above or be-
low the level of its chin?” To answer the question, you must
visualize
the horse’s formation. Spatial skills consist of abilities to

1. Experience the world in three dimensions.
2. Understand scale models and recognize objects in un-
usual orientations.
3. Recall visual images in rich detail. 23

The posterior (rear) portions of the right hemisphere are
more crucial for spatial reasoning, although damage to the
left hemisphere can cause a slight decrease in this ability. For
most individuals, the right hemisphere is dominant (see Fig-
ure 2-11).
In general, men perform better at spatial tasks, especially
rotation of objects, mathematical reasoning, and navigating
through a route. Studies have been performed using men
and women with normal hormonal levels and women who
were exposed to prenatal and neonatal doses of the hor-
mone androgen (due to genetic defects or the pregnant
mother taking steroids). The increased spatial abilities apply
to the women exposed to androgens early in development.
Women who had not been exposed to the hormone did not
perform as well. However, they did perform better at match-
ing items, arithmetic calculation, recalling landmarks on a
route, and precision tasks. They also showed greater verbal
fluency.
Because the hormone testosterone is present in both men
and women (at different levels), the next question raised is
whether a direct relationship exists between the level of
testosterone and spatial ability. Is there an optimum level of
the hormone for increased spatial abilities? There is a range
on the high end for women’s normal levels and the low end