Cognitive reserve capacity: exploring and validating a theoretical model in healthy ageing

Lisa McGarrigle*, Kate Irving, Martin P J van Boxtel, Lorraine Boran

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive reserve (CR) capacity can be viewed as the maximum processing potential of neural systems that support adaptive cognitive performance in age-related cognitive decline. CR is a complex construct that can only be measured indirectly. Proxy measures (e.g., psychosocial/lifestyle variables) are traditionally used to reflect CR. However, strong relationships have been observed between these measures and cognitive functions (e.g., executive function [EF], processing resources [PR], fluid/crystallized abilities); therefore, the organizational structure of indicators implicated in CR remains unclear. The objective of this study was to test a hypothetical, theoretical model of CR capacity that includes both traditional CR proxy indicators and measures of cognitive function [Satz et al. (2011). Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 33(1), 121-130], which remain, as yet, untested.

METHOD: Construct validity of the model was investigated in healthy older adults through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) using data from the Maastricht Ageing Study (MAAS). A secondary CFA was conducted to validate the model using data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

RESULTS: EFA and CFA in MAAS established a two-factor model comprising EF/PR and cumulative cognitive enrichment (CCE), which was further validated in a secondary analysis in TILDA. Convergent and discriminant validity was supported in MAAS (range of R2 = .228-.635; factor correlation confidence interval (CI) = .622, .740) and TILDA (range of R2 = .172-.899; factor correlation CI = .559, .624).

CONCLUSIONS: A dual model of CR elucidated the relationships between hypothesized indicators of CR capacity and revealed a two-factor structure suggesting that both control (EF/PR) and representational processes (CCE) are involved in CR capacity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)603-617
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society
Volume25
Issue number6
Early online date7 May 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2019

Keywords

  • AGE
  • BRAIN
  • CONSTRUCT-VALIDITY
  • EDUCATION
  • Executive function
  • FLUID INTELLIGENCE
  • LIFE-SPAN
  • NORMATIVE DATA
  • OLDER-ADULTS
  • REASONING ABILITY
  • WORKING-MEMORY CAPACITY
  • cognition
  • cognitive decline
  • dementia
  • factor analysis
  • mental processes

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