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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
A population-based longitudinal study of cognitive functioning in the menopausal transition.
P M Meyer1, L H Powell, R S Wilson
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. pmeyer@rush.edu
Neurology
|September 25, 2003
Summary
Cognitive function in women does not decline during the menopausal transition. Working memory and perceptual speed showed slight improvements, independent of age and other factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Women's Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Longitudinal data on cognitive performance during the menopausal transition is lacking.
- The impact of menopause on cognition, separate from aging, remains unknown.
- Previous hypotheses suggested cognitive decline during this life stage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in cognitive functioning during the menopausal transition.
- To determine if cognitive decline occurs independent of age, education, income, ethnicity, or self-perceived health.
Main Methods:
- Population-based longitudinal study with yearly follow-ups (1996-2001).
- Recruited 868 women aged 42-52, screened for menopausal status and hormone use.
- Assessed working memory (Digit Span Backward) and perceptual speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) in 803 participants.
Main Results:
- Contrary to hypothesis, cognitive functioning showed small but significant increases over time.
- These improvements were observed during premenopausal and perimenopausal phases.
- Trends were not explained by age, education, income, ethnicity, or baseline health.
Conclusions:
- Menopausal transition is not associated with a decline in working memory.
- Perceptual speed is also not negatively impacted during menopause.
- Cognitive function may remain stable or improve during this period.
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