Abstract
The study aimed to investigate cross-sectionally the associations of cognitive reserve (CR) and premorbid IQ with cognitive and functional status in a cohort of older outpatients. Additionally, we evaluated the association of CR and premorbid IQ with the worsening of patients’ cognitive status at one-year follow-up. We originally included 141 outpatients (mean age 80.31 years); a telephone-based cognitive follow-up was carried out after one year, including 104 subjects (mean age 80.26 years). CR (β = 0.418), premorbid IQ (β = 0.271) and handgrip strength (β = 0.287) were significantly associated with the MMSE score. The cognitive worsening at follow-up was associated with lower CR, lower MMSE score, reduced gait speed and frailty exhibited at baseline. Univariate linear regressions showed that CR was associated with handgrip strength (β = 0.346), gait speed (β = 0.185), autonomy in basic (β = 0.221) and instrumental (β = 0.272) daily activities, and frailty (β = −0.290); premorbid IQ was significantly associated with autonomy in instrumental daily activities (β = 0.211). These findings highlight the need for integrating CR and premorbid IQ with physical and motor measures when appraising predictors of cognitive decline in the elderly population. The study also newly extends the link of CR and premorbid IQ to the functional status in older adults.
Highlights
The contribution of multidimensional antecedent factors involved in aging trajectories has been largely debated, given the bio-psycho-social nature of different age-related medical conditions, as well as of cognitive processes [1,2,3,4]
The present study investigated the association of measures of cognitive reserve (CR) and premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) with cognitive functioning in a cohort of older adults
In line with a framework integrating physical, motor and cognitive functions as a key to successful ageing, we developed a model in which CR and premorbid IQ were tested as contributors of cognitive status, in the presence of physical and motor indexes
Summary
The contribution of multidimensional antecedent factors involved in aging trajectories has been largely debated, given the bio-psycho-social nature of different age-related medical conditions, as well as of cognitive processes [1,2,3,4]. In this context, the concept of reserve has been originally suggested as a core of protective factors against the onset of negative age-related outcomes [5]. Within the range of active reserves, the construct of cognitive reserve (CR) has been developed to describe individual differences in vulnerability to cognitive and functional decline along aging. The purpose of previous studies has been to explore their direct or indirect contribution mainly on cognitive trajectories towards dementia [10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
