Cognitive Reserve, A Decisive Ability In The Evolution Of Our Brain

Cognitive reserve is a concept that is born in the context of neuropsychology. It refers to the  ability of brain structures to respond to loss of capabilities or negative transformations in that organ.

In other words, cognitive reserve alludes to the brain’s ability to respond functionally to a disease that affects it or to old age and deterioration. This ability allows you to compensate, to some extent, for any damage suffered.

A high cognitive reserve can, in some cases, make the brain to function normally again after an illness. It also keeps this functioning fully active, even with natural deterioration due to age. As you can see, this is a very important skill that is worth cultivating and maintaining.

The origin of cognitive reserve

Cognitive reserve begins to build at the same time the brain begins to develop inside the uterus. It is known that the experiences of the first years of life are decisive. These largely define the direction the intelligence development process will take.

There are reasons to think that the genetic factor influences the formation of a cognitive reserve. However, this aspect is not definitive. There are ways to stimulate the brain to increase this capacity throughout life. In fact, it is possible to increase it even in a damaged brain.

Intellectual, recreational and sports activities have been shown to increase cognitive reserve. Reading, mind games, language learning, dancing, sports, and all intellectually stimulating activities in particular help to increase this ability.

Boost cognitive reserve

When you have a good cognitive reserve, the brain is able to make new connections between neurons, to replace those that may be damaged or deteriorated. This process is much easier for those who have previously performed some of these activities or have some of these characteristics:

• Higher cultural level: By cultural level we mean the set of accumulated studies, reading and intellectual activities that are carried out. A higher level protects the brain from mild cognitive impairment, that is, age-related deterioration.
• Social relationships:  It has been proven that those who have the support of a good social circle, with which they interact frequently, are 38% less likely to suffer from dementia.
• Physical exercise:  Promotes blood circulation in the brain, protects against oxidative stress and other deterioration factors associated with old age.
• Mental exercise: It is definitive to increase cognitive reserve. It includes activities such as playing a musical instrument, engaging in intellectual hobbies, etc.

A healthy diet also helps maintain brain strength. Avoid using tobacco, alcohol or other psychoactive substances. Hiking, walking, and traveling are also included in the favorable factors.

an amazing experiment

David Snowdon, doctor of epidemiology and professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky, conducted an impressive study in 1986. He took as his research group a group of 678 Catholic nuns from the United States. It was a very uniform group. They ate the same things, lived in the same environment, and performed similar activities.

His cognitive reserve was monitored for 17 years. During this period, regular examinations of the genetic, intellectual or psychological type were performed. All of them accepted that when they died, their brains would be studied to complement the information from the experiment.

Most surprising was the case of Sister Bernadette. This nun died at the age of 85. His brain was studied and then it was found that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. However, never in her life had she shown symptoms of suffering from it. The researchers were able to conclude that the nun’s cognitive reserve clearly outweighed her shortcomings.

The researchers were also able to prove another interesting fact. Religious women with a richer vocabulary showed less cognitive deterioration over the years. This vocabulary, in turn, derives from the fact that they were good readers during childhood. This experiment is one of the strongest evidence in favor of intellectual, social and physical exercise as valid ways to delay the natural decay of our cognitive functions.

Illustrations courtesy of Tomasz Alen Kopera.