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Views & Reviews • Dement. neuropsychol. 2 (3) • Jul-Sep 2008 • https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-57642009DN20300003   copy

Contribution of education, occupation and cognitively stimulating activities to the formation of cognitive reserve

Contribuição da escolaridade, ocupação profissional e atividades cognitivamente estimulantes como variáveis formadoras da reserva cognitiva

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

The cognitive reserve (CR) concept posits that there is individual variability in processing task demands and coping with neurodegenerative diseases. This variability can be attributed to the protective effects derived from continuous cognitive stimulation throughout life, including formal education, engagement in cognitively stimulating activities and occupation. These can result in protection against age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the main features of CR formation and to discuss the challenges in carrying out CR research in developing countries.

Key words:
cognitive reserve; aging; Alzheimer's disease; occupation attainment; schooling; cognitive stimulation.

Resumo

O conceito de Reserva Cognitiva (RC) postula que há variabilidades individuais no processamento de tarefas e no enfrentamento de doenças neurodegenerativas. Essa variabilidade pode se causada pela conseqüência do envolvimento em estimulações cognitivas sistemáticas ao longo da vida, tais como escolaridade, ocupação profissional e engajamento em atividades cognitivamente estimulantes; resultando na proteção contra os declínios cognitivos relacionados à idade e na diminuição do risco de desenvolver Doença de Alzheimer. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os principais fatores formadores de RC e discutir os desafios de realizar pesquisas sobre RC em países em desenvolvimento.

Palavras-chave:
reserva cognitiva; envelhecimento; Doença de Alzheimer; ocupação profissional; estimulação cognitiva.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jul-Sep 2008

History

  • Received
    30 July 2008
  • Accepted
    20 Aug 2008
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