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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Gender, resources across the life course, and cognitive functioning in Egypt
1Hubert Department of Global Health and Department of Sociology, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Room 724, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. kyount@sph.emory.edu
Older women exhibit poorer cognitive functioning than men. Life-course factors, particularly childhood schooling, explain most of this gender gap in cognitive abilities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Sociology of Aging
Background:
- Cognitive functioning declines with age, and gender disparities exist in later life.
- Understanding life-course determinants is crucial for addressing cognitive aging inequalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate life-course determinants of cognitive functioning in older adults in Egypt.
- To compare cognitive functioning between older men and women.
- To identify factors contributing to gender gaps in cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 1,003 individuals aged 50+ in Ismailia, Egypt.
- Utilized the Modified Mini-Mental Status Exam (M-MMSE) to assess cognitive functioning.
- Analyzed cognitive resources accrued across childhood and adulthood.
Main Results:
- Women scored lower on the M-MMSE compared to men.
- Childhood and adulthood cognitive resources were jointly associated with M-MMSE scores.
- 83% of the gender gap in cognitive functioning was attributed to life-course attributes.
Conclusions:
- Life-course factors significantly influence cognitive functioning in older adults.
- Educational attainment in childhood is a key factor in reducing gender-based cognitive disparities.
- Interventions targeting early-life cognitive resources may mitigate later-life cognitive decline in women.
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