Study Finds Women’s Memory Declines Faster with Age

New Delhi: A recent study conducted with the support of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that while women generally live longer than men, their memory and cognitive abilities tend to decline faster as they age.

Key Findings
Researchers at AIIMS Gorakhpur found that elderly women, especially those with poor nutrition or excess abdominal fat, showed a significant reduction in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills compared to men of the same age. Lead researcher Dr. Venkatesh noted, “Elderly individuals with malnutrition or higher abdominal fat exhibited weaker memory and reduced cognitive capacity.”

Impact of Social and Emotional Support
The study also highlighted the positive effect of companionship. Elderly individuals living with partners or family members retained better memory and cognitive function than those living alone. Emotional support was found to be crucial for maintaining mental health and brain function in old age.

Nutrition, Exercise, and Family Engagement Crucial
Doctors emphasize that proper diet, regular exercise, and nutritional food are essential to protect brain health in older adults. Social engagement, family support, and mentally stimulating activities can help maintain memory and cognitive abilities for a longer time. Conversely, poor nutrition and obesity can accelerate cognitive decline.

Gender Differences Observed
The study also noted that men outperformed women in language comprehension and object recognition tasks. Elderly individuals living alone showed more pronounced memory decline, underlining the importance of social interaction for cognitive health.

This study reinforces the importance of holistic care, nutrition, and social support for aging women to maintain mental sharpness and quality of life.