The Buffer Against Decline
In depth
An emerging construct: the capacity to sustain function despite brain pathology. Explains why identical pathology produces different symptoms in different people.
What drives it
Brain adaptability increases it.
Verbatim: 'Cognitive reserve is built up or depleted by processes of positive and negative neuroplasticity, respectively.' (10.2147/NRR.S32229). Scope (review): human (conceptual) · n/a route · n/a dose · n/a n · narrative review of lifestyle factors in cognitive aging. doi 10.2147/NRR.S32229
Social engagement increases it.
Verbatim: 'Findings suggest that maintaining a socially active lifestyle in later life may enhance cognitive reserve and benefit cognitive function.' (10.1371/journal.pone.0201008). Tier: human observational data. human · observational cohort (CFAS-Wales) · baseline + 2-year follow-up · linear regression with moderation analysis · adjusted for age, gender, education, physically limiting. doi 10.1371/journal.pone.0201008
What it drives
It increases Memory & focus.
Verbatim: 'Verbal intelligence was a significant positive predictor of perceptual organization, working memory, processing speed, memory, language, executive functions, and central delta power.' (10.3389/fnagi.2022.921518). Tier: human observational data. human · no intervention (observational secondary analysis) · no dose · n=88 healthy older adults aged 60-77 (58 female) · cross-sectional multiple linear regression, CR proxies. doi 10.3389/fnagi.2022.921518
See it on the map
Open the causal map to follow this pathway upstream and downstream, arrow by arrow, each with its study.