The role of cognitive reserve in cognitive aging: Results from the neurocognitive study on aging

Abstract

The study tested the cognitive reserve hypothesis by quantifying cognitive reserve (CR) and subsequently determining its role in executive function and verbal episodic memory performance. A neuropsychological battery was administered to 383 Greek-Cypriot older adults. A multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) latent construct was utilized to define CR incorporating three indicators: years of education, vocabulary, and reading performance. Findings from two structural equation models supported the moderating role of CR in reducing the direct negative effect of age on verbal episodic memory and on executive function. The study illustrates a parsimonious way of defining CR and provides empirical support for the CR hypothesis.