Cognitive reserve as a psychological and psychophysiological resource in aging

Abstract

Cognitive aging, just like biological aging, is a heterogeneous and highly individual process. As a result of this process, even people having physiological brain damage associated with Alzheimer disease (revealed through post-mortal studies) can demonstrate no impairment in cognitive functioning. The present paper is a review of modern studies of cognitive reserve phenomenon. In the paper main components of cognitive reserve proposed by Ya. Stern are reflected, as well as factors and possible empirical approaches to investigation of cognitive reserve. Among the factors education, bilinguism, noradrenaline functioning and emotional processes are mentioned. Psychological and psychophysiological methods of cognitive reserve investigation are described. In particular, attention is paid to the model of cognitive reserve proposed by M. Nucci and the opportunities of cognitive reserve investigation using PET. As a conclusion, the possibility of application of this concept in Russian studies and possible specifics of such studies is discussed. Refs 25.