Related Experiment Videos
Cognitive function in the oldest old: women perform better than men
E van Exel1, J Gussekloo, A J de Craen
1Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of General and Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Building 1 C2-R, PO BOX 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. Leiden85+@lumc.nl
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|June 20, 2001
Summary
Women exhibit superior cognitive function compared to men, even with less formal education. This suggests biological factors, not just education levels, influence cognitive differences in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Limited formal education is linked to diminished cognitive function.
- Sex differences in cognitive function are observed in the elderly population.
- The role of education in these sex-based cognitive differences requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore whether limited formal education explains cognitive function differences between elderly women and men.
- To investigate the association between educational attainment and cognitive performance in older adults.
- To determine if educational disparities account for observed sex differences in cognition.
Main Methods:
- The Leiden 85-plus Study, a population-based cohort of 85-year-olds, was utilized.
- 599 participants completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
- Cognitive speed and memory were assessed using neuropsychological tests for participants with MMSE scores >18.
Main Results:
- A higher proportion of women (70%) had limited formal education compared to men (53%).
- Women demonstrated significantly better cognitive speed and memory than men.
- After adjusting for education and depressive symptoms, women still showed enhanced cognitive speed (OR=1.7) and memory (OR=1.8).
Conclusions:
- Women exhibit better cognitive function than men, irrespective of educational background.
- Limited formal education does not solely account for sex differences in cognitive function.
- Biological factors, potentially including atherosclerosis, may underlie observed sex differences in cognitive decline.