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Traumatic brain injury and reserve.
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|February 23, 2015
Summary
Brain and cognitive reserve (CR) influence recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Higher brain reserve capacity (BRC) and cognitive reserve allow individuals to better cope with TBI, potentially delaying dementia onset.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Traumatic Brain Injury Research
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects individuals across the lifespan, with high incidence in those under 35.
- Brain reserve capacity (BRC) and cognitive reserve (CR) are established concepts in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
- The application of BRC and CR to TBI recovery and long-term outcomes remains an area for exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential role of brain reserve capacity (BRC) and cognitive reserve (CR) in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- To explore how BRC and CR may influence TBI recovery and long-term consequences, including dementia risk.
- To highlight the relevance of these reserve concepts for individuals who sustain TBI early in life.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on brain reserve capacity and cognitive reserve.
- Analysis of how BRC and CR concepts apply to the context of traumatic brain injury.
- Synthesis of findings related to TBI recovery, lifespan effects, and dementia development.
Main Results:
- Brain reserve capacity (BRC) relates to pre-injury factors (e.g., brain size) influencing the threshold for clinical deficit manifestation post-TBI.
- Cognitive reserve (CR) reflects flexible use of brain resources and compensatory strategies to manage brain damage.
- Proxies for CR include education, IQ, literacy, occupation, leisure activities, and social networks.
Conclusions:
- BRC and CR are likely significant factors in TBI recovery and adaptation over the lifespan.
- Understanding these reserve mechanisms may inform interventions aimed at improving TBI outcomes.
- Lifespan considerations are crucial, particularly the link between early TBI and later dementia risk, mediated by reserve capacities.
