The Predictive Role of Cognitive Reserve in Executive Functioning: An Overview from Adulthood to Aging

Cognitive reserve (CR) is the ability to compensate the age-related decline. Different studies have examined the role of CR in aging, from the perspective of protection against pathological aging. The purpose of this study is to examine how CR (schooling, working and leisure time) differs by age and how this could predict good executive functioning. A total of 245 participants (60.4 ± 7.5 years) were selected and divided by age. After anamnestic data collection, participants were interviewed to assess CR (Cognitive Reserve Index, CRI); then working memory (WM), phonemic fluency (PF) and inhibitory control were assessed. Regression analyses revealed that TMT B (R2= 0.19; p= <0.001) was predicted by age, schooling, working and leisure time; TMT B-A (R2= 0.21; p= <0.001) was predicted by age, schooling and working; PF (R2= 0.20; p= <0.001) was predicted by age, schooling and leisure time; and WM (R2= 0.09; p= <0.001) by age, schooling and working. In addition, ANCOVA analyses highlighted that WM is the function most influenced by CRI. Different predictive patterns may be observed in adulthood and aging. These findings could be useful for interventions to improve CR across the lifespan to strengthen executive functions crucial for daily independence.