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Is There a Link Between Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Function in the Oldest-Old?
Louise M Lavrencic1, Connor Richardson2, Stephanie L Harrison3
1Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neurosciences Laboratory, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Summary
Cognitive reserve benefits oldest-old individuals by improving baseline cognitive function and reducing prevalent dementia risk. However, it does not impact cognitive decline or future dementia incidence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- The oldest-old (≥85 years) represent a rapidly expanding demographic with elevated dementia risk.
- Understanding cognitive reserve in this population is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- This study examines cognitive reserve's role in the oldest-old, aged 85 and above.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the applicability of cognitive reserve principles to the oldest-old population.
- To assess the association between a Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) and cognitive function and dementia in individuals aged 85+.
- To inform the development of cognitive interventions for the oldest-old.
Main Methods:
- Utilized baseline and 5-year follow-up data from the Newcastle 85+ Study (N=845).
- Constructed a Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) incorporating education, social class, marital status, mental, social, and physical activities.
- Assessed global and domain-specific cognitive functions and dementia diagnoses, controlling for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- Higher CRI scores correlated with better baseline cognitive performance across all measures.
- Cognitive reserve was associated with prevalent dementia but not with incident dementia.
- No significant association was found between CRI and the 5-year rate of cognitive change.
Conclusions:
- In the oldest-old, higher cognitive reserve is linked to superior baseline cognitive function and lower prevalent dementia risk.
- Cognitive reserve did not appear to influence cognitive decline or the incidence of dementia in this age group.
- Further research is needed to understand reserve's impact on cognitive trajectories and to refine preventative strategies.
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