A higher cognitive reserve is linked to higher resistance to deterioration among subjects suffering from neurodegenerative disorders. In healthy persons the cognitive reserve explains inter-individual differences in task performance. Measuring the cognitive reserve factors involves obtaining a numerical index of the cumulative cognitive gain accumulated by a subject. This index can be correlated with other measurable functions. This study was conceived to determine the reserve indexes accumulated by a Chilean sample, by means of the administration of the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq).In order to do so, 90 adults (18-85 years old) without evidence of cognitive disorder, living in Valparaíso region, Chile, were interviewed about their education, their work environment and their and leisure activities carried out since they were 18 years old. Results showed that reserve indexes of the subjects vary as a function of the time of execution of reserve-promoting activities, not age. Statistically significant differences were found among age-groups. These findings allow us to conclude that studying, working and engaging in social activities, among other things, increase the cognitive reserve indexes, which are a differentiating variable among individuals. The measurement of these indexes can be useful in a wide array of disciplines: medicine, neurology, neuropsychology, education, psychology, phonoaudiology, neurosciences and cognitive sciences in general.
Rimassa, C. (2019). Cognitive reserve assessment: A study in a sample of Chilean adults. Revista Chilena De Fonoaudiología, 18(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-4692.2019.55324
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