What is Cognitive Reserve?
The concept or theory of Cognitive Reserve (CR) began circulating in the 1980s.
CR, which sometimes may be referred to as brain reserve, is a concept that some damaged brains are resistant to conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia. CR is an explanation of why people whose brains have Alzheimier's like structural damage do not get Alzheimer's.
People with a higher CR (often measured as a great number
of years of formal education) have been found to be less susceptible to
cognitive decline than people with similar brain pathology but with a lower CR. One can think of CR as a protective reserve that may limit or delay mental changes seen in Alzheimer's or dementia.
How Can Cognitive Reserve Be Developed?
Research models have demonstrated that intellectual enrichment is key factor in building CR. This can be achieved by continued and prolonged brain stimulation. There is objective evidence that years of higher education, or even being bi or multi-lingual, leads to higher levels of CR.
People with extensive brain pathology have better mental functioning if they have CR compared to people with similar brains but little to no CR.
Most interestingly, recent studies such as one conducted by Ozioma Okonkwo et.al. of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, suggest that CR itself may very well prevent brain pathology from forming. This is a new exciting paradigm that bears watching.
It should be noted that other factors associated with a college education, such as socioeconomic
status, social interactions, and cognitive stimulation throughout
life, all can play a role in beefing up the brain’s defenses,
Okonkwo said. He also pointed out that other interconnecting factors include occupational attainment,
exposure to toxins, physical activity and other health issues such as
diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Not surprisingly, it should also be noted that these studies, like many other studies regarding Alzheimer's, are suggestive and not conclusive. Yet as in many studies, it does offer hope, which is always a positive thing.
