How cognitive reserve affects neuropsychological functions

Cognitive reserve (CR) is defined as the ability to flexibly use available brain resources when brain changes due to aging or damages occur. The adaptability of cognitive processes allows the individual to preserve daily functioning and is associated to better clinical outcomes; thus, CR could explain individual differences in coping with neural changes. Our aim was to assess differences in cognitive functioning in a sample of 243 adults (age: 60.4±7.4; 50- 88) and divided in high-CR (CR>130) and medium-CR (CR=70- 130). Participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment; CR was measured with the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). As we expected, a series of ANOVAs showed significant differences in tasks assessing global cognitive functioning, visuospatial abilities, executive functions, language, and memory. Results revealed that high scores in CR are associated with better cognitive functioning and executive control. According to Stern, our findings suggest that brain actively attempts to compensate for pathology in order to maintain an efficient functioning in daily mental activities. Further studies could better investigate the influence of each CR domain on cognitive functioning in healthy and pathological aging.