Elderly women are more likely to have their wits about them than men, say researchers from the Netherlands. Dutch scientists who tested the mental ability of nearly 600 men and women aged 85 and over found that 41% of the women had a good memory, compared to just 29% of men. In tests of mental speed 33% of the women obtained good scores, while just 28% of men made the grade. The researchers believe that the fact that women are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease may account for the study findings. Several recent studies have found that poor vascular health may contribute to depression, dementia, and cognitive decline among the elderly.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.bbc.co.uk on the 17th June 2001
