Measures of cognitive reserve in alzheimer¿s disease [Medidas de reserva cognitiva na doença de alzheimer]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Sobral, M (Author) Other; Pestana, MH (Author) Other; Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Vol. 36

Pages: 160-168

ISSN: 2237-6089

Publisher: Associacao de Psiquiatria do Rio Grande do Sul

Indexing

Scopus - 15 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-7F4

DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2014-0012

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Cognitive reserve (CR), a hypothetical construct used to obtain information about cognitive aging, describes the capacity of the adult brain to cope with the effects of neurodegenerative processes. This study evaluated CR using a CR questionnaire (CRQ) and a set of variables (education, leisure activities, lifelong occupation) that inform CR. It also developed a CR index, validated the CRQ, and examined the correlation between the different CR measures. Methods: Functional and neuropsychological capacities of 75 outpatients (mean age: 80.2 years) with a probable AD diagnosis were evaluated. Socio-demographic data and clinical variables were collected. Patients completed two questionnaires: the Participation in Leisure Activities throughout Life questionnaire, and the CRQ. Results: Participants with a greater CR had higher scores in cognitive tests than the elderly with a lower CR. A CR index was developed. CRQ reliability was 0.795 (Cronbach¿s alpha). There was a close association between the CR Index and the CRQ. Conclusions: This study found an association between CR measures and education, occupation and participation in leisure activities. The CRQ seems to be a suitable instrument to measure CR in Portuguese populations. © APRS.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific