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Over ninety years old: Does high cognitive reserve still help brain efficiency?
Elisa Carta1, Alice Riccardi2,3, Silvia Marinetto3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Binaghi Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
Psychological Research
|October 6, 2023
Summary
Cognitive reserve positively impacts cognition, particularly executive functions, even in the oldest-old individuals aged 90-105. This study explored cognitive reserve in Sardinia's Blue Zone centenarians.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The oldest-old (nonagenarians and centenarians) are a heterogeneous group.
- Cognitive reserve (CR) is known to support cognitive function in aging, but its role in the oldest-old is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive reserve and cognitive functioning in individuals aged 90-105.
- To examine CR's impact on executive functions in extreme longevity.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted in Sardinia's "Blue Zone," known for extreme longevity.
- 67 participants (90-105 years) completed the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) and the Brief Neuropsychological Examination (ENB-2).
Main Results:
- The CRIq predicted overall cognitive performance (ENB-tot).
- CR predicted performance in 7 out of 16 ENB-2 sub-tests, primarily those assessing executive functions.
- Executive functions like memory, attention, and fluency were positively associated with CR.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive reserve positively influences cognitive function, especially executive functions, in the oldest-old population.
- Findings underscore the importance of cognitive reserve in maintaining cognitive health in extreme old age.
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