Journal Article
Memory trajectories by migration status and gender: a life-course intersectional perspective
Social Science and Medicine, 391:118885, 1–11 (2026)
Abstract
This study explores the relationships between migration, gender, and memory trajectories over the life–course within an intersectional framework. Memory is an important dimension of cognitive decline, a critical concern in aging populations, and varies significantly across different demographic groups. In this paper we address the understudied influence that the intersection of gender and migration status has on memory trajectories and evaluate the role of age at migration. Using random-effects growth curve models, our findings reveal persistent memory disparities by migration status, particularly in early older age, though differentials by migration status generally reduce after age 70. Immigrants, overall, exhibit lower baseline memory functioning levels and steeper declines. Contrary to expectations, immigrant women are not uniquely vulnerable; instead, gender differences persist across groups, with men generally faring worse. Later age at migration predicts poorer memory performance, though a late-life advantage emerges for men who migrated at ages 6–17 warranting further investigation. These results underscore the importance of considering baseline levels, longitudinal patterns, and intersectional factors in cognitive aging research by migration status.
Keywords: Europe