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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Age at natural menopause and cognition
Lawrence J Whalley1, Helen C Fox, John M Starr
1Department of Mental Health, Aberdeen University, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZH, UK. l.j.whalley@abdn.ac.uk
Maturitas
|October 12, 2004
Summary
Childhood intelligence and age at menopause are linked to cognitive function in later life. However, childhood IQ appears to fully explain the relationship between menopause timing and cognitive ability at age 65.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing cognitive aging is crucial for public health.
- The interplay between early-life cognitive abilities, reproductive factors, and late-life cognition requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between age at natural menopause, childhood intelligence quotient (IQ), and cognitive function at age 65.
- To determine if age at menopause mediates the relationship between childhood IQ and cognitive performance in later life.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a longitudinal study on brain aging and health.
- Included childhood IQ (age 11, 1936 cohort), age at natural menopause, and cognitive test data (2000-2001).
Main Results:
- Age at menopause correlated positively with childhood IQ and general cognitive function at age 65.
- Childhood IQ significantly predicted cognitive ability at age 65, accounting for 44.4% of the variance.
- Structural equation modeling indicated childhood IQ explained the relationship between age at menopause and late-life cognition.
Conclusions:
- Both childhood IQ and age at menopause are independently associated with cognitive function at age 65.
- The association between age at menopause and late-life cognition appears to be fully explained by childhood IQ.
- The link between childhood IQ and age at menopause may involve central neural mechanisms or the impact of early cognition on adult health.
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