Cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis

This review explores how cognitive reserve (CR) helps people with multiple sclerosis (MS) resist cognitive decline despite brain damage. CR combines genetic factors like maximal lifetime brain growth (MLBG) and lifestyle factors such as intellectual enrichment from education, reading, and hobbies. MS patients with higher CR can better maintain cognitive efficiency and memory. Brain imaging shows that intellectual enrichment improves neural efficiency, allowing patients to perform cognitive tasks with fewer resources. The study highlights the importance of building CR to mitigate MS-related cognitive challenges and suggests that activities promoting intellectual engagement may be protective against disease-related cognitive decline.

Engage in intellectually enriching activities like reading, education, and hobbies to build cognitive reserve. This study shows that greater CR helps MS patients maintain cognitive function despite brain damage. Though primarily based on observational data, the evidence supports incorporating intellectual enrichment into daily life for better resilience against cognitive challenges in MS and possibly other neurological conditions. A holistic approach combining physical health and intellectual activity is ideal.