Gender differentials in memory decline among elderly: A panel study from the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance System, Thailand

Previous studies found that elderly females were more likely to experience memory decline than their male counterparts. Although there were some studies on gender’s issue of elderly in the Thai context, little was known about issue of memory decline. Therefore, this study focuses on gender differentials in memory decline.
The two waves (2006 and 2011) of longitudinal study from the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance System (KDSS) were employed. The sample was 609 elderly aged 60 and above in 2006 who had been followed until 2011. Memory test is used by applying ten worlds list. The effect of gender on memory decline was estimated by using GEE logit model.
Results revealed that almost two-fifths of elderly faced memory decline over a period of 5 years. There were 38.9 percent of males and 40. 6 percent of female experienced memory decline. However, GEE logit model showed that there was no statistically significant difference by gender in the memory decline, even controlling for other variables.
The findings did not support previous studies. However, it suggested that both male and female elderly had an equal risk of memory decline. Thus, program intervention to prevent cognitive impairment and maintain cognitive function should focus for all elderly.