Stress Diminishes Cognitive Reserve

The concept of cognitive reserve was the result of research in the 1980s where scientists encountered people with no signs of dementia, yet they had brains that were physically consistent with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers described the phenomenon as cognitive reserve, which they theorized was protective against the cognitive damage caused by AD.

Research has since confirmed that enriching life experiences and behaviors such as higher education attainment, complex work, stimulating hobbies, consistent physical activity, and positive social interactions protect cognitive function. One study of 675 participants with a gene mutation that makes them at heightened risk of AD found that higher education attainment, more years of education, was associated with preserved cognitive function.

A recent study in a small population of 113 patients in a Swedish memory clinic found that while greater cognitive reserve improved cognition, stress as measured by cortisol levels in saliva reduced the positive effects of cognitive reserve.

Takeaway: Stimulating activities boost cognitive reserve and protect the brain, while stress can reduce the positive impact of cognitive reserve. Protect your brain with enriching experiences and stress management.

Well-being is a journey, not a quick fix.

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Sources

Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, What is cognitive reserve? - Harvard Health, Jan. 6, 2023.

Leslie Perez, Educational Buffer: How Learning Slows Genetic Alzheimer's Risk - Neuroscience News, Aug. 30, 2023.

Manasa Shanta Yerramalla, Stress Hinders Cognitive Gains from Mental Activities - Neuroscience News, June 4, 2024.

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