Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change in response to new experiences or memories. As we age, the amount of effort it takes to make changes to the brain is greater, but we tend to spend less time doing activities that tax our brains than we did when we were younger. We work less or retire, drive less. We may even exercise less. As we age, more effort is needed to make positive changes to the brain.
Cognitive Reserve refers to the brain’s resilience or ability to tolerate age- and disease-related changes without developing obvious signs or symptoms of cognitive decline or dementia (Daviglus et al., 2010; Fratiglioni and Wang, 2007; Gaugler et al., 2019).
The cognitive reserve theory suggests that cognitive and physical activity throughout life helps to increase brain tissue, neurons and cognitive networks. Greater cognitive reserve is provided by more extensive networks of neuron-to-neuron connections, which allows the brain to maintain cognitive functioning even when damage from dementia is present. In other words, the more effort we put into cognitive reserve, the more severe the pathophysiologic changes must be before functional cognitive impairment becomes evident (Fratiglioni and Wang, 2007; Gaugler et al., 2019; Raichlen & Alexander, 2017).
A significant body of research has documented that several factors including formal education, mentally stimulating jobs or work complexity, social engagement, and regular physical activity may contribute to increased cognitive reserve allowing cognitive function to be maintained in older adulthood (Fratiglioni and Wang, 2007; Gaugler et al., 2019).
It is important to discuss what we know about cognitive aging and impairment with the rapidly growing older adult population. Older adults can continue to learn new skills, participate in interesting and fun activities, and stay physically active and socially engaged throughout our entire lives.