01567nas a2200217 4500000000100000008004100001260001700042100001400059700001300073700001300086700001500099700001700114700001400131700001300145700001200158700002100170245006400191250001500255520103300270020004601303 2012 d c-357263871641 aKeay Lisa1 aGower E.1 aMunro C.1 aWinicki J.1 aSchretlen D.1 aTurano K.1 aMunoz B.1 aWest S.1 aBandeen-Roche K.00aSex differences in cognition in healthy elderly individuals a2012/06/083 a

ABSTRACT Sex differences in patterns of cognitive test performance have been attributed to factors, such as sex hormones or sexual dimorphisms in brain structure, that change with normal aging. The current study examined sex differences in patterns of cognitive test performance in healthy elderly individuals. Cognitive test scores of 957 men and women (age 67-89), matched for overall level of cognitive test performance, age, education, and depression scale score, were compared. Men and women were indistinguishable on tests of auditory divided attention, category fluency, and executive functioning. In contrast, women performed better than men on tests of psychomotor speed and verbal learning and memory, whereas men outperformed women on tests of visuoconstruction and visual perception. Our finding that the pattern of sex differences in cognition observed in young adults is observed in old age has implications for future studies of both healthy elderly individuals and of those with cognitive disorders.

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