GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND SLEEP DIFFICULTIES AMONG ELDERLY ADULTS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Abstract

The rapid growth of the elderly population has emerged as one of the most significant demographic transitions of the twenty-first century, accompanied by increasing concerns regarding age-related cognitive decline and sleep disturbances. The present empirical study examined gender differences in cognitive impairment and sleep difficulties among elderly adults and explored the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive functioning. A quantitative cross-sectional comparative research design was employed. The study included 63 elderly participants comprising 21 males and 42 females. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Shapiro Wilk tests of normality, independent-samples t-tests, prevalence analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and Cohen's d effect-size estimation. Findings revealed no statistically significant gender differences in either cognitive functioning or sleep quality. However, prevalence analysis indicated that a greater proportion of males exhibited Mild Cognitive Impairment compared to females. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a weak negative association between sleep quality and cognitive functioning, although this relationship was not statistically significant. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the importance of routine cognitive and sleep assessments among older adults. Early identification of sleep disturbances and cognitive decline may facilitate timely intervention and promote healthy ageing.