Consideration of cognitive reserve

Abstract

This chapter reviews the concept of cognitive reserve, including relevant theoretical issues, various means of characterizing this construct, and its clinical implications. We begin with a broad overview of the epidemiological evidence in support of the concept of cognitive reserve, and review neuroimaging studies that contribute to our understanding of this construct. We then review several theoretical issues surrounding the mechanisms by which cognitive reserve confers its benefits, and outline the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of estimating reserve. We conclude by discussing the clinical implications of cognitive reserve and listing several specific recommendations for the application of cognitive reserve in clinical practice.