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Current Psychiatry Reports

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Open Access 01-09-2016 | Geriatric Disorders (W McDonald, Section Editor)

Cognitive Reserve and the Prevention of Dementia: the Role of Physical and Cognitive Activities

Author: Sheung-Tak Cheng

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 9/2016

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The article discusses the two most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia, namely, physical inactivity and lack of stimulating cognitive activity, and their effects on developing cognitive reserve.

Recent Findings

Both of these leisure-time activities were associated with significant reductions in the risk of dementia in longitudinal studies. In addition, physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, is associated with less age-related gray and white matter loss and with less neurotoxic factors. On the other hand, cognitive training studies suggest that training for executive functions (e.g., working memory) improves prefrontal network efficiency, which provides support to brain functioning in the face of cognitive decline.

Summary

While physical activity preserves neuronal structural integrity and brain volume (hardware), cognitive activity strengthens the functioning and plasticity of neural circuits (software), thus supporting cognitive reserve in different ways. Future research should examine whether lifestyle interventions incorporating these two domains can reduce incident dementia.

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Title: Cognitive Reserve and the Prevention of Dementia: the Role of Physical and Cognitive Activities
Author: Sheung-Tak Cheng
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0721-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Cognitive Reserve and the Prevention of Dementia: the Role of Physical and Cognitive Activities

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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