Cited by 170Dementia and Cognitive Impairment ResearchCognitive Abilities and TestingCognitive Functions and Memory

Brain reserve and the prevention of dementia

Valenzuela, Michael J·2008·Current Opinion in Psychiatry

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate and synthesize recent evidence linking mental activity and dementia risk, which commonly invokes 'brain reserve' as the mediating construct. RECENT FINDINGS: Brain reserve has acquired several interpretations; however, the most reliable and practical definition focuses at the behavioural level by assessing frequency and range of participation in complex mental activities. Epidemiological research suggests a clear and consistent link of high brain reserve with reduced dementia risk. Furthermore, emerging clinical trials of cognitive exercise suggest that it may be effective for the prevention of longitudinal cognitive and functional decline. Recent animal studies implicate several mechanisms, including disease-dependent and disease-independent compensatory pathways. SUMMARY: Given the precipitous forecasts for dementia over the coming decades, effective preventive strategies are of utmost importance. Findings from brain reserve studies now meet many of the formal criteria for causal agency between complex mental activity and reduced dementia risk. Key clinical trials are therefore under way to test these claims and results are keenly awaited.

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Crossref · 10.1097/yco.0b013e3282f97b1f

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Authors
Valenzuela, M. J.
Affiliations
UNSW Sydney (AU)
Corresponding author
Valenzuela, Michael J
Venue
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
Published
2008-05
Volume
21
Issue
3
Pages
296-302
ISSN
0951-7367 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2147767173
Cited by
170
References
60
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 10
FWCI
1.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Current Opinion in Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
brain reserve, dementia prevention, cognitive activity, cognitive exercises, dementia risk, cognitive decline, compensatory mechanisms, causal inference
MeSH terms
Brain, Cognition Disorders, Dementia, Environment, Humans, Life Style, Mental Processes, Social Behavior, Disease Progression

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