J. Lee|Regina A. Shih|Kevin Feeney|Kenneth M. Langa
Gender Disparity in Late-life Cognitive Functioning in India: Findings From the Longitudinal Aging Study in India
RAND Corporation|University of Southern California|RAND Corporation|RAND Corporation|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
examine gender disparities cognitive functioning india extent education explains disparity later lifethis study uses baseline interviews prospective cohort study 1451 communityresiding adults 45 years age older four geographically diverse states india karnataka kerala punjab rajasthan data collected home visits includes cognitive performance tests rich sociodemographic health psychosocial variables cognitive performance tests include episodic memory numeracy modified version minimental state examinationwe find gender disparity cognitive function india disparity greater north south also find gender disparities educational attainment health social economic activity explain female cognitive disadvantage later lifewe report significant gender disparities cognitive functioning among older indian adults differ gender disparities cognition encountered developed countries models controlling education health status social economic activity explain disparity southern india regionspecific disparity northern india north indian women may face additional sources stress associated discrimination women contribute persistent disadvantages cognitive functioning older ages