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VOLUME | NOV 2022 Unlocking the Mind: How Cognitive Reserve Shields Against Stroke

Think of your brain as a fortress, protecting and preserving your cognitive function in the face of adversity. Just like how a sturdy wall can shield your castle from enemy attacks, cognitive reserve works to safeguard your thinking abilities from the impact of a stroke. A recent study delved into this fascinating concept, exploring how cognitive reserve moderates the relationship between stroke severity and cognitive function in patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). By assessing over 200 AIS patients in China, researchers discovered that individuals with higher levels of cognitive reserve had better cognitive function after stroke compared to those with lower levels. In simpler terms, having a stronger cognitive reserve is like having an extra defense system in place, helping to mitigate the detrimental effects of stroke on the mind. The findings also suggested that enhancing cognitive reserve may be a potential strategy for preventing vascular dementia, a condition linked to cognitive decline following stroke. Want to arm yourself with more knowledge? Dive into the full research article below!

Dr. David Lowemann
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.Dr. Lowemann's influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society's overall success and collective well-being.

BackgroundRecovery of cognitive function after stroke has inter-individual variability. The theory of cognitive reserve offers a potential explanation of the variability in cognitive function after stroke.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of cognitive reserve on the relationship between the stroke severity and cognitive function after stroke.Materials and methodsA total of 220 patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) were recruited in 2021 from two stroke centers in Nanjing, China. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess stroke severity upon admission. Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) and validated Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Changsha Version (MoCA-CS) were used to assess cognitive reserve and cognitive function within 7 days after stroke onset, respectively. A series of multivariate linear regression models were applied to test the moderating effect of cognitive reserve.ResultsPatients with a higher level of cognitive reserve had better cognitive function after stroke compared with those with a lower level of cognitive reserve (β = 0.074, p = 0.003). The interaction of NIHSS and cognitive reserve was statistically significant (β = −0.010, p = 0.045) after adjusting for some key covariates [e.g., age, marital status, Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification, Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, cerebral vascular stenosis, diabetes and atrial fibrillation].ConclusionCognitive reserve may help to buffer the effect of stroke-related pathology on cognitive decline in Chinese acute stroke patients. Enhancing cognitive reserve in stroke patients may be one of the potential strategies for preventing vascular dementia.
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Dr. David Lowemann

Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.

Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.

Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.

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