Research article Special Issues

Cognitive Reserve in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Importance of Occupational Complexity as a Buffer of Declining Cognition in Older Adults

  • Received: 30 September 2015 Accepted: 07 January 2016 Published: 09 January 2016
  • Cognitive reserve is the ability to optimize performance through differential recruitment of brain networks, which may reflect the use of alternative cognitive strategies. Work is one of the most important sources of cognitive stimulation during adulthood. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate status between normal aging and dementia. As a consequence, this is considered a risk group regarding cognition. In order to study the probable association between occupational complexity and cognitive performance in a group of patients with MCI, a non-probabilistic intentional sample was dispensed on a group of 80 patients. Occupational complexity was explored by the Questionnaire on Agency of Labor Activity (CAAL, according to its acronym in Spanish) and a set of neuropsychological tests, which assessed cognitive performance in different areas: memory, attention, language and executive function, were administered. Results reveal that occupational complexity is associated to cognitive performance of elderly adults with MCI. With respect to working with Data, an increase in neuropsychological tests that demand high levels of attention and imply processing speed and working memory can be noted. Regarding the complexity of working with People, an association between the level of occupational complexity and an increase in verbal abilities and verbal reasoning can be seen. On the other hand, working with Things could be associated with better performance in specific areas of cognition such as visuospatial abilities. These results add up as empirical evidence to the fields of cognitive neurology and gerontology and to the cognitive reserve hypothesis, showing how complex environments can enhance cognition in old age. It adds evidence that help to understand which psychological, social and labor factors intervene in the cognitive reserve of an elder adult in cognitive risk.

    Citation: Feldberg Carolina, Hermida Paula D, Maria Florencia Tartaglini, Stefani Dorina, Somale Verónica, Allegri Ricardo F. Cognitive Reserve in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Importance of Occupational Complexity as a Buffer of Declining Cognition in Older Adults[J]. AIMS Medical Science, 2016, 3(1): 77-95. doi: 10.3934/medsci.2016.1.77

    Related Papers:

  • Cognitive reserve is the ability to optimize performance through differential recruitment of brain networks, which may reflect the use of alternative cognitive strategies. Work is one of the most important sources of cognitive stimulation during adulthood. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate status between normal aging and dementia. As a consequence, this is considered a risk group regarding cognition. In order to study the probable association between occupational complexity and cognitive performance in a group of patients with MCI, a non-probabilistic intentional sample was dispensed on a group of 80 patients. Occupational complexity was explored by the Questionnaire on Agency of Labor Activity (CAAL, according to its acronym in Spanish) and a set of neuropsychological tests, which assessed cognitive performance in different areas: memory, attention, language and executive function, were administered. Results reveal that occupational complexity is associated to cognitive performance of elderly adults with MCI. With respect to working with Data, an increase in neuropsychological tests that demand high levels of attention and imply processing speed and working memory can be noted. Regarding the complexity of working with People, an association between the level of occupational complexity and an increase in verbal abilities and verbal reasoning can be seen. On the other hand, working with Things could be associated with better performance in specific areas of cognition such as visuospatial abilities. These results add up as empirical evidence to the fields of cognitive neurology and gerontology and to the cognitive reserve hypothesis, showing how complex environments can enhance cognition in old age. It adds evidence that help to understand which psychological, social and labor factors intervene in the cognitive reserve of an elder adult in cognitive risk.


    加载中
    [1] Organización Mundial de la Salud (2015) .Informe mundial sobre envejecimiento y la salud. Ginebra: OMS Ediciones.
    [2] Drag LL, Bieliauskas LA (2009) Contemporary review 2009: cognitive aging. J Psychiatr Neurol 23: 75-93.
    [3] Artero S, Petersen R, Touchon J, et al. (2006) Revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment: validation within a longitudinal population study. Dement Geriatr Cogn 22: 465-470. doi: 10.1159/000096287
    [4] Petersen RC, Doody R, Kurtz A, et al. (2001) Current concepts in mild cognitive impairment. Arch Neurol 58: 1985-1992. doi: 10.1001/archneur.58.12.1985
    [5] Saunders NLJ, Summers MJ (2011) Longitudinal deficits to attention, executive, and working memory in subtypes of mild cognitive impairment. Neuropsychology 25: 237-248. doi: 10.1037/a0021134
    [6] Petersen RC (2004) Mild cognitive impairment as a diagnostic entity. J Intern Med 256: 183-194. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2004.01388.x
    [7] Petersen RC, Negash S (2008) Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Over-view. CNS Spectrums 13: 45-43.
    [8] García-Herranz S, Díaz-Mardomingo M, Peraita H (2014) Evaluación y seguimiento del envejecimiento sano y con deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) a través del TAVEC. Ann Psicol 30: 372-379.
    [9] González Palauau F, Buonanotte F, Cáceres MM (2015) Del deterioro cognitivo leve al trastorno neurocognitivo menor: Avances en torno al constructo. Neurol Arg 7: 51-58.
    [10] Dıaz-Orueta U, Buiza-Bueno C, Yanguas-Lezaun J (2010) Reserva cognitiva: evidencias, limitaciones y líneas de investigación futuras. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 45:150-155. doi: 10.1016/j.regg.2009.12.007
    [11] Stern Y (2002) What is the cognitive reserve? Theory and research application of the reserve concept. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 8: 448-460.
    [12] Stern Y, Alexander GE, Prohovnik I, et al. (1995) Relationship between lifetime occupation and parietal flow: implications for a reserve against Alzheimer's disease pathology. Neurology 45: 55-60. doi: 10.1212/WNL.45.1.55
    [13] Allegri RF, Taragano FE, Krupitzki H, et al. (2010) Role of cognitive reserve in progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Dement Neuropsychol 4: 28-34.
    [14] Rodriguez Álvarez M, Sanchez Rodriguez JL (2004) Reserva cognitiva y demencias. Ann Psicol 20: 175-186.
    [15] Garibotto V, Borroni B, Kalbe E, et al. (2008) Education and occupation as proxies for reserve in aMCI converters and AD: FDG-PET evidence. Neurology 71: 1342-1349. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000327670.62378.c0
    [16] Amieva H, Mokri H, Le Goff M, et al. (2014) Compensatory mechanisms in higher-educated subjects with Alzheimer’s disease: a study of 20 years of cognitive decline. Brain 137: 1167-1175. doi: 10.1093/brain/awu035
    [17] Orrell M, Sahakian B (1995).Education and dementia. BMJ 310: 951-952.
    [18] Andel R, Kareholt I, Parker MG, et al. (2007) Complexity of primary lifetime occupation and cognition in advanced old age. J Aging Health 19: 397-415.
    [19] Adam S, Bonsang E, Grotz C, et al. (2013) Occupational activity and cognitive reserve: implications in terms of prevention of cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Clin Interv Aging 8: 377-390.
    [20] Schooler C, Mulatu MS, Oates G (1999) The continuing effects of substantively complex work on the intellectual functioning of older workers. Psychol Aging 14: 483-488. doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.14.3.483
    [21] Finkel D, Andel R, Gatz M, et al. (2009) The role of occupational complexity in trajectories of cognitive aging before and after retirement. Psychol Aging 24: 563-573. doi: 10.1037/a0015511
    [22] Kroger E, Andel R, Lindsay J, et al. (2008) Is complexity of work associated with risk of dementia? The Canadian Study of Health and Aging Am J Epidemiol 167: 820-830.
    [23] Potter GG, Helms MJ, Plassman BL (2008) Association of job demands and intelligence with cognitive performance among men in late life. Neurology 70: 1803-1808. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000295506.58497.7e
    [24] Marquie JC, Duarte LR, Bessières P, et al. (2010) Higher mental stimulation at work is associated with improved cognitive functioning in both young and older workers. Ergonomics 53: 1287-1301. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2010.519125
    [25] Schooler C (1984) Psychological effects of complex environment during the life span: A review and theory. Intelligence 8: 259-281. doi: 10.1016/0160-2896(84)90011-4
    [26] Schooler C, Mulatu MS, Oates G (2012) Occupational self-direction, intellectual functioning, and self-directed orientation in older workers: Findings and implications for individuals and societies. Am J Sociol 110: 161-197.
    [27] Kohn ML, Schooler C (1987) The reciprocal effects of substantive complexity of work on intellectual flexibility. A Longitudinal assessment. Am J Sociol 84: 24-52.
    [28] Bosman H, Van Boxtel MPJ, Ponds A, et al. (2003) Mental work demands protect against cognitive impairment: MAAS prospective cohort study. Exp Aging Res 29: 33-45. doi: 10.1080/03610730303710
    [29] Marioni RE, Proust-Lima C, Amieva H, et al. (2014) Cognitive lifestyle jointly predicts longitudinal cognitive decline and mortality risk. Eur J Epidemiol 29: 211-219. doi: 10.1007/s10654-014-9881-8
    [30] Andel R, Crowe M, Kareholt I, et al. (2011) Indicators of job strain at midlife and cognitive functioning in advanced old age. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 66: 287-291.
    [31] Smyth KA, Fritsch T, Cook TB et al. (2004) Worker functions and traits associated with occupations and the development of AD. Neurology 63: 498-503. doi: 10.1212/01.WNL.0000133007.87028.09
    [32] Serrano C, Taragano F, Allegri RF, et al. (2007) Factores predictores de conversión en Deterioro Cognitivo Leve. Rev Neurol Argent 32: 75-93.
    [33] Andel R, Crowe M, Pedersen NL, et al. (2005) Complexity of work and risk of Alzheimer disease: a population study of Swedish twins. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 60: 251-258. doi: 10.1093/geronb/60.5.P251
    [34] Alexander GE, Furey ML, Grady CL, et al. (1997) Association of premorbid intellectual function with cerebral metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease: implications for the cognitive reserve hypothesis. Am J Psychiatry 154: 165-172. doi: 10.1176/ajp.154.2.165
    [35] Scarmeas N, Zarahn E, Anderson KE, et al. (2003) Association of life activities with cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer disease: implications for the cognitive reserve hypothesis. Arch Neurol 60: 359-365. doi: 10.1001/archneur.60.3.359
    [36] Scarmeas N, Stern Y (2004) Cognitive reserve: implications for diagnosis and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 4: 374-380. doi: 10.1007/s11910-004-0084-7
    [37] Petersen RC, Caracciolo B, Brayne C, et al. (2014) Mild cognitive impairment: a concept in evolution. J Intern Med 275: 214-228. doi: 10.1111/joim.12190
    [38] Lojo-Seoane C, Facal D, Juncos-Rabadan O (2012) Previene la actividad intelectual el deterioro cognitivo? Relaciones entre reserva cognitiva y deterioro cognitivo ligero. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 47: 270-278.
    [39] Winblad B, Palmer K, Kipivelto M, et al. (2004) Mild Cognitive Impairment: beyond controversies, towards a consensus: report of the International Working Group on Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Intern Med 256: 240-246. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2004.01380.x
    [40] Hachinski VC, Lassen NA, Marshall J (1974) Multi-infarct dementia: a cause of mental deterioration in the elderly. Lancet 2: 207-210.
    [41] Asociación Médica Mundial (2001) Declaración de Helsinski. Principios éticos para las investigaciones médicas en seres humanos. Rev Neurol Argent 26: 75-77.
    [42] Allegri RF, Arizaga RL, Bavec CV, et al. (2011) Enfermedad de Alzheimer. Guía de práctica clínica. Rev Neurol Argent 3: 120-137.
    [43] Folstein MF, Folstein SE, McHugh PR (1995) “Mini mental state” a practical method for grading the cognitive state of patients for the clinician. J Psychiatr Res 12: 189-198.
    [44] Sunderland T, Hill JL, Mellow AM (1989) Clock drawing in Alzheimer’s disease: A novel measure of dementia severity. J Amer Geriat Soc 37: 725-729. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1989.tb02233.x
    [45] Beck AT, Ward CH, Mendelson M, et al. (1961) An inventory for measuring depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry 4: 53-63.
    [46] Zigmond AS, Snaith RP (1983) The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 67: 361-370. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1983.tb09716.x
    [47] Hughes CP, Berg L, Danziger WL et al. (1982) A new clinical scale for staging of dementia. B J Psychiatry 140: 566-572. doi: 10.1192/bjp.140.6.566
    [48] Katz S (1983) Assessing self-maintenance: Activities of daily living, mobility, and instrumental activities of daily living. J Am Geriatr Soc 31:721-727. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1983.tb03391.x
    [49] Lawton MP, Brody EM (1969) Assessment of older people: self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. Gerontologist 9: 179-186. doi: 10.1093/geront/9.3_Part_1.179
    [50] Signoret JL, Whiteley A (1979) Memory battery scale. Intern Neuropsych Soc Bull 2: 2-26.
    [51] Benedet MJ, y Alejandre MA (1998) Test de Aprendizaje Verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC). Madrid: TEA Ediciones.
    [52] Allegri RF, Mangone CA, Rymberg S, et al. (1997) Spanish version of the Boston naming test in Buenos Aires. Clin Neuropsychol 11: 416-420. doi: 10.1080/13854049708400471
    [53] Reitan RM (1958) Validity of the Trail Making Test as an indication of organic brain damage. Percept Mot Skills 8: 271-275. doi: 10.2466/pms.1958.8.3.271
    [54] Wechsler D (2002) WAIS III: Test de Inteligencia para adultos. Buenos Aires: Ed. Paidos.
    [55] Feldberg C, Stefani D Somale MV, et al. (2015) Traducción y validación del Cuestionario sobre Agenciamiento de la Actividad Laboral, en sujetos argentinos. Rev Neurol Argent: In press.
    [56] Kohn ML, Schooler C (1983) Work and personality: An inquiry into the impact of social stratification. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
    [57] U.S. Department of Labor (1965) Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
    [58] Germani G, Grimson WR, De Blanco AC, et al. (1972) Investigación epidemiológica en entidades psiquiátricas. Bol Oficina Sanit Panam 79: 572-578.
    [59] Dıaz-Orueta U, Buiza-Bueno C, Yanguas-Lezaun J (2010) Reserva cognitiva: evidencias, limitaciones y líneas de investigación futuras. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 45: 150-155. doi: 10.1016/j.regg.2009.12.007
    [60] Cotman CW, Engesser-Cesar C (2002) Exercise enhances and protects brain function. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 30: 75-79. doi: 10.1097/00003677-200204000-00006
    [61] Wang HX, Karp A, Winblad B, et al. (2002) Late-life engagement in social and leisure activities is associated with a decreased risk of dementia: A longitudinal study from the Kungsholmen Project. Am J Epidemiol 155: 1081-1087. doi: 10.1093/aje/155.12.1081
    [62] Verghese J, LeValley A, Derby C, et al. (2006) Leisure activities and the risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. Neurology 66: 821-827. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000202520.68987.48
    [63] Smart EL, Gow AJ, Deary IJ (2014) Occupational complexity and lifetime cognitive abilities. Neurology 83: 2285-2291. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001075
    [64] Andel R, Silverstein M, Kareholt I (2015) The role of midlife occupational complexity and leisure activity in late-life cognition. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 70: 314-321. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbu110
    [65] Schooler C (1984) Psychological effects of complex environments during the life span: A review and theory. Intelligence 8: 259-281. doi: 10.1016/0160-2896(84)90011-4
    [66] Schooler C, Mulatu MS, Oates G (2004) Occupational self-direction,intellectual functioning, and self-directed orientation in older workers: Findings and implications for individuals and societies. American Journal of Sociology 110: 161-197. doi: 10.1086/385430
    [67] Miller AR, Treiman DJ, Cain PS, et al. (1980) Work, jobs, and occupations: A critical review of occupational titles. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
    [68] Gow AJ, Avlund K, Mortensen EL (2014) Occupational characteristics and cognitive aging in the Glostrup 1914 cohort. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 69: 228-236.
    [69] Boots EA, Schultz SA, Almeida RP, et al. (2014) Occupational complexity and cognitive reserve in a middle-aged cohort at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 29: 245-255. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acu007
    [70] Avolio BJ, Waldman DA (1990) An examination of age and cognitive test performance across job complexity and occupational types. J Appl Psychol 75: 43-50. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.75.1.43
    [71] Van der Elst W, Van Boxtel MP, Jolles J (2012) Occupational activity and cognitive aging: a case-control study based on the Maastricht Aging Study. Exp Aging Res 38: 315-329.
    [72] Fritsch T, McClendon MJ, Smyth KA, et al. (2001) Effect of educational attainment on clinical expression of Alzheimer´s disease: Results from a research registry. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 16: 369-376. doi: 10.1177/153331750101600606
  • Reader Comments
  • © 2016 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com
  • 1. 

    沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院 沈阳 110142

  1. 本站搜索
  2. 百度学术搜索
  3. 万方数据库搜索
  4. CNKI搜索

Metrics

Article views(5682) PDF downloads(1206) Cited by(2)

Article outline

Figures and Tables

Tables(3)

/

DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
Return
Return

Catalog