Cognitive reserve and cortical plasticity

The term "cognitive reserve" describes resistance to the deterioration of cognitive functions in the dementia and other brain degradation of brain substance. Cognitive resistance is measured behaviorally, while neuropathological damage is assessed histologically and by imagistic methods or based on markers. The study of cognitive reserve suggests that innate intelligence or life experiences (such as educational and professional achievements) may increase this reserve in the form of sets of behavioral skills that allow subjects to manage better than others cognitive pathology of a certain kind (e.g., Alzheimer disease). in these circumstances the psychological intervention for cognitive practice since the beginning of the pathology could contribute substantially to establishing or increasing the cognitive reserve. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.