Is cognitive reserve accumulation associated with reduced dementia risk?

A new study, following 1602 dementia-free individuals, has observed high lifespan cognitive reserve indicator to be associated with reduced risk of developing dementia. The association between individuals’ lifespan cognitive reserve and their risk of developing dementia is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine this relationship and determine if/how it is affected by the presence of dementia-related brain pathologies. Researchers observed lifespan cognitive reserve accumulation to be associated with reduced dementia risk, regardless of the presence of neuropathological brain changes. The cognitive reserve hypothesis suggests that individuals' cognitive reserve buffers age-related brain changes and cognitive decline. Cognitive reserve has commonly...