Lowering dementia risk and slowing progression of disease: the role of cognitive reserve and cognitive training

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey F. Scherrer ◽  
John E. Morley
Keyword(s):  
Educational Level ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Incidence ◽  
Early Dementia ◽  
Progression Of Disease

Summary Almeida-Meza et al found an inverse correlation between cognitive reserve (associated with educational level, complexity of occupations and leisure activities) and dementia incidence. We suggest clarifying studies using their data-set and consider what can be done to modify socioeconomic inequalities that affect cognitive reserve or to slow early dementia.

scholarly journals The Role of Leisure Activities as Markers of Cognitive Reserve on Dementia Risk in English Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 664-664
Author(s):  
Pamela Almeida Meza ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Dorina Cadar
Keyword(s):  
Marital Status ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Type

Abstract We examined the frequency of participation in cognitive and social type of leisure activities in association with dementia risk over 15 years of follow-up in 12,280 participants aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard of dementia in relation to the cognitive and social type of leisure activities as well as their interactions with sex and marital status. Medium and higher levels of engagement in cognitive leisure activities were associated with a lower risk of dementia. An analysis of the social type of leisure activities showed a similar pattern with protection for higher levels of engagement in a model adjusted for sex and marital status but further explained by wealth. This study shows a reduced risk of dementia for individuals with higher levels of engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, that may preserve cognitive reserve until later in life.

scholarly journals MARKERS OF COGNITIVE RESERVE AND DEMENTIA INCIDENCE IN THE ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S620-S620
Author(s):  
Pamela Almeida-Meza ◽  
Pamela Almeida-Meza ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Dorina Cadar
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Composite Measure ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Incidence ◽  
English Population ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract We investigated a multi-faceted index of cognitive reserve (CR), in relation to dementia incidence over 15 years follow-up in a representative sample of the English population. Data were 12,293 participants aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, dementia-free at baseline. CR was derived as a composite measure of education, occupation and leisure activities using a standardised questionnaire. From the overall sample, 603 participants developed dementia. Higher CR levels were associated with lower dementia risk (medium CR: HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88, p=0.002 and high CR: HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.90, p=0.005) compared with lowest levels. These associations were independent of sex, marital status, wealth, smoking, depressive symptoms and poor physical health. Further individual analyses of CR sub-components showed that leisure activities (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.91, p=0.007) were linked with reduced dementia risk, contributing to a higher CR and increased overall mental resilience.

scholarly journals Is Engagement in Intellectual and Social Leisure Activities Protective Against Dementia Risk? Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Pamela Almeida-Meza ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Dorina Cadar
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Subdistribution Hazard ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Incidence ◽  
Social Leisure ◽  
Married Individuals ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Background: Studies have suggested that mentally stimulating activities and socially engaged lifestyles may reduce dementia risk; however, it is unclear which activities are more beneficial. Objective: We investigated intellectual and social leisure activities in relation to dementia incidence and explored the modifying role of sex and marital status in these associations. Methods: The sample was comprised of 8,030 participants aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, who joined at wave 1 (2002-2003), or waves 3 (2006-2007), or 4 (2008-2009). The end of the study period was wave 8 (2016-2017). Subdistribution hazard models investigated the role of leisure activities grouped into intellectual and social domains in relation to dementia while accounting for the risk of death. Subsequent analyses were conducted with individual leisure activities. Results: During the study period of up to 15 years, 412 participants developed dementia, and 2,192 died. We found that increased engagement in the intellectual activities’ domain was associated with a decreased dementia incidence (SHR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.96, p = 0.007), independent of the risk of death in married individuals, but not in those who were single, divorced, or widowed. Individual analyses for each leisure activity showed independent associations for reading newspapers in females (SHR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, p = 0.001), mobile phone usage in males (SHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.84, p = 0.002), and having hobbies for married individuals (SHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.95, p = 0.02). Conclusion: We found that intellectual leisure activities contribute to lower dementia risk in a representative population of English adults, suggesting intervention opportunities.

scholarly journals Motivation as a Mediator of the Relation Between Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 1199-1205
Author(s):  
Fanny Vallet ◽  
Nathalie Mella ◽  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Marine Beaudoin ◽  
Delphine Fagot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Global Measure ◽  
Interindividual Differences

Abstract Objectives Interindividual differences in cognitive aging may be explained by differences in cognitive reserve (CR) that are built up across the life span. A plausible but underresearched mechanism for these differences is that CR helps compensating cognitive decline by enhancing motivation to cope with challenging cognitive situations. Theories of motivation on cognition suggest that perceived capacity and intrinsic motivation may be key mediators in this respect. Method In 506 older adults, we assessed CR proxies (education, occupation, leisure activities), motivation (perceived capacity, intrinsic motivation), and a global measure of cognitive functioning. Results Perceived capacity, but not intrinsic motivation, significantly mediated the relation between CR and cognitive performance. Discussion Complementary with neurobiological and cognitive processes, our results suggest a more comprehensive view of the role of motivational aspects built up across the life span in determining differences in cognitive performance in old age.

scholarly journals Credit composition and income inequality in Vietnam: an empirical analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Quoc Hoi ◽  
Hương Lan Trần
Keyword(s):  
Income Inequality ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Institutional Quality ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private Credit ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the credit composition and income inequality reduction in Vietnam. In particular, the authors focus on the distinction between policy and commercial credits and investigate whether these two types of credit had adverse effects on income inequality. The authors also examine whether the impact of policy credit on income inequality is conditioned by the educational level and institutional quality.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the primary data set, which contains a panel of 60 provinces collected from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam from 2002 to 2016. The authors employ the generalized method of moments to solve the endogenous problem.FindingsThe authors show that while commercial credit increases income inequality, policy credit contributes to reducing income inequality in Vietnam. In addition, we provide evidence that the institutional quality and educational level condition the impact of policy credit on income inequality. Based on the findings, the paper implies that it was not the size of the private credit but its composition that mattered in reducing income inequality, due to the asymmetric effects of different types of credit.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines the links between the two components of credit and income inequality as well as constraints of the links. The authors argue that analyzing the separate effects of commercial and policy credits is more important for explaining the role of credit in income inequality than the size of total credit.

The Association of Leisure Activities in Middle Adulthood with Cognitive Performance in Old Age: The Moderating Role of Educational Level

Gerontology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 543-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Michel Oris ◽  
Delphine Fagot ◽  
Marie Baeriswyl ◽  
Eduardo Guichard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Middle Adulthood ◽  
Moderating Role

scholarly journals Does our cognitive empathy diminish with age? The moderator role of educational level

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
María José Gutiérrez-Cobo ◽  
Rosario Cabello ◽  
Alberto Megías-Robles ◽  
Raquel Gómez-Leal ◽  
Simon Baron-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
College Education ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Moderator Role ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Effect Of Age

ABSTRACT Introduction: The literature has demonstrated how the relationship between cognitive or emotional intelligence and age exhibits an inverted-U-shape and that this decline can be mitigated by an individual’s cognitive reserve (CR). Rather less is known, however, about the pattern of changes in cognitive empathy or the ability to recognize the thoughts or feelings of others. Objectives: The aim of the present study was firstly to analyze the effect of age, gender, and CR (measured through educational level), on the capacity to show cognitive empathy. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate what type of relationship—linear or quadratic—exists between age and cognitive empathy. We finally aimed to analyze the moderator role of educational level on the relationship between age and cognitive empathy. Participants: Totally, 902 Spanish adults aged between 18 and 79 years (M = 43.53, SD = 11.86; 57% women). Measurements: Participants were asked to indicate their educational level (primary, high school, or college education) and their cognitive empathy was assessed using the Eyes test. Results: Women scored higher than men on cognitive empathy. Participants with a college education had higher scores on cognitive empathy than those with a lower educational level. Additionally, the relationship between age and cognitive empathy fit an inverted-U-shaped curve, consistent with the data found for cognitive and emotional intelligence. Finally, the age-related decrease in cognitive empathy appeared to be mitigated by a higher educational level, but only in those individuals aged 35 years and above. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Markers of cognitive reserve and dementia incidence in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Almeida-Meza ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Dorina Cadar
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Dementia Incidence ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Background In the current climate of an ageing population, it is imperative to identify preventive measures for dementia. Aims We implemented a multifaceted index of cognitive reserve markers and investigated dementia incidence over 15 years of follow-up in a representative sample of the English population. Method Data were 12 280 participants aged ≥50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, free from dementia at their baseline assessments during wave 1 (2002–2003), 3 (2006–2007) or 4 (2008–2009), and followed up until wave 8 (2016–2017). The Cognitive Reserve Index was constructed as a composite measure of education, occupation and leisure activities, using a standardised questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios of dementia in relation to cognitive reserve levels (low, medium and high) and its components (education, occupation and leisure activities). Results During the follow-up period, 602 participants aged 56–99 years developed dementia. Higher levels of cognitive reserve (hazard ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.89, P = 0.008) were associated with a lower risk of dementia. An individual analysis of its components showed that higher levels of education (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.36–0.88, P = 0.012), occupation (hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.91, P = 0.008) and leisure activities (hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.56–0.99, P = 0.047) were predictive of a reduced dementia risk, with the first two components particularly protective in younger participants (<85 years). Conclusions This study showed a reduced risk of dementia for individuals with a higher level of cognitive reserve, represented by higher education, complex occupations and multifaceted level of leisure activities.

scholarly journals Does cognitive reserve moderate the association between mood and cognition? A systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Opdebeeck ◽  
Catherine Quinn ◽  
Sharon M Nelis ◽  
Linda Clare
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
Mood And Cognition

SummaryThe evidence regarding the association between mood and cognitive function is conflicting, suggesting the involvement of moderating factors. This systematic review aimed to assess whether cognitive reserve moderates the association between mood and cognition in older people. Cognitive reserve was considered in terms of the three key proxy measures – educational level, occupation, and engagement in cognitively stimulating leisure activities – individually and in combination. Sixteen studies representing 37,101 participants were included in the review. Of these, 13 used a measure of education, one used a measure of occupation, two used a measure of participation in cognitively stimulating activities, and one used a combination of these. In general, cognitive reserve moderated the association between mood and cognition, with a larger negative association between mood and cognition in those with low cognitive reserve than in those with high cognitive reserve. Further research utilizing multiple proxy measures of cognitive reserve is required to elucidate the associations.

scholarly journals Cognitive Trajectories and Dementia Risk: A Comparison of Two Cognitive Reserve Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Gallo ◽  
Grégoria Kalpouzos ◽  
Erika J. Laukka ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Chengxuan Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
National Study ◽  
Residual Variance ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Incidence ◽  
Integrity Index ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Background and ObjectivesCognitive reserve (CR) is meant to account for the mismatch between brain damage and cognitive decline or dementia. Generally, CR has been operationalized using proxy variables indicating exposure to enriching activities (activity-based CR). An alternative approach defines CR as residual variance in cognition, not explained by the brain status (residual-based CR). The aim of this study is to compare activity-based and residual-based CR measures in their association with cognitive trajectories and dementia. Furthermore, we seek to examine if the two measures modify the impact of brain integrity on cognitive trajectories and if they predict dementia incidence independent of brain status.MethodsWe used data on 430 older adults aged 60+ from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, followed for 12 years. Residual-based reserve was computed from a regression predicting episodic memory with a brain-integrity index incorporating six structural neuroimaging markers (white-matter hyperintensities volume, whole-brain gray matter volume, hippocampal volume, lateral ventricular volume, lacunes, and perivascular spaces), age, and sex. Activity-based reserve incorporated education, work complexity, social network, and leisure activities. Cognition was assessed with a composite of perceptual speed, semantic memory, letter-, and category fluency. Dementia was clinically diagnosed in accordance with DSM-IV criteria. Linear mixed models were used for cognitive change analyses. Interactions tested if reserve measures modified the association between brain-integrity and cognitive change. Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for brain-integrity index, assessed dementia risk.ResultsBoth reserve measures were associated with cognitive trajectories [β × time (top tertile, ref.: bottom tertile) = 0.013; 95% CI: –0.126, –0.004 (residual-based) and 0.011; 95% CI: –0.001, 0.024, (activity-based)]. Residual-based, but not activity-based reserve mitigated the impact of brain integrity on cognitive decline [β (top tertile × time × brain integrity) = –0.021; 95% CI: –0.043, 0.001] and predicted 12-year dementia incidence, after accounting for the brain-integrity status [HR (top tertile) = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.58].InterpretationThe operationalization of reserve based on residual cognitive performance may represent a more direct measure of CR than an activity-based approach. Ultimately, the two models of CR serve largely different aims. Accounting for brain integrity is essential in any model of reserve.

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