Cognitive Reserve in Model Systems for Mechanistic Discovery: The Importance of Longitudinal Studies

Abstract

The goal of this review article is to provide a resource for longitudinal studies, using animal models, directed at understanding and modifying the relationship between cognition and brain structure and function throughout life. We propose that forthcoming longitudinal studies will build upon a wealth of knowledge gleaned from prior cross-sectional designs to identify early predictors of variability in cognitive function during aging, and characterize fundamental neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the vulnerability to, and the trajectory of, cognitive decline. Finally, we present examples of biological measures that may differentiate mechanisms of the cognitive reserve at the molecular, cellular, and network level.

Cognitive functioning and its associated factors among breast cancer patients on chemotherapy at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia: an institution-based comparative cross-sectional study

“…In the current study, hemoglobin level was significantly associated with cognitive scores which is in agreement with previous studies [ 38 , 39 ]. Aspects of life including education, work and different social habits play a role in bringing anatomical and physiological changes to the brain [ 40 , 41 ]. In our study occupation was described as house wife, gov’t employee and NGOs.…”

Brain Plasticity in Humans and Model Systems: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

“…The environment influences plasticity, susceptibility to disease, as well as schedules of development and aging [18,19,[24][25][26][27][28]. These features align with the notion that the environment impacts development at the anatomical, cellular, and molecular scales [17,28,29].…”

“…Plastic changes, induced by lifestyle in the young and immature brain, are useful to cope with normal and pathological age-related cognitive decline [121,122], likely, through the establishment and implementation of the so-called "brain reserve" [24,27,103,123]. It is now clear that beneficial lifestyle choices may promote changes that enhance cognition, such as angiogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis [124].…”

Sepsis and Cognitive Assessment

“…Given the wealth of research showing how education is a proxy for cognitive reserve, we consider the absence of educational reporting a concerning finding. The years of education have been used repeatedly in aging studies to help explain variability in cognition relative to pathology [ 44 , 45 ]. Cognitive reserve proxies, such as education, are shown to protect against impairment from traumatic brain injury [ 31 , 32 , 33 ] or operative/anesthesia exposure [ 34 ].…”