The Role of Cognitive Reserve on Cognitive and Psychological Well-being

This contribution investigates the concept of Cognitive Reserve (CR) across both healthy aging and clinical contexts, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). The research aims, first, to explore the relationships between CR, cognitive functioning, and psychological well-being in healthy older adults, with specific attention to divergent thinking (DT) as a potential proxy of CR; second, to examine the relationships between CR, Motor Reserve (MR), treatment adherence, and health status in patients with CVDs.
The first chapter provides a theoretical overview of CR, describing its conceptual evolution, its neuroanatomical and cognitive bases, and the main proxies traditionally used to operationalize it, such as education, occupation, and leisure activities. The second chapter focuses on creative thinking and DT, widely considered a measure of creative potential and increasingly studied as a proxy of CR. An experimental study conducted on healthy older adults examined the effects of a DT training on cognitive functioning and psychological well-being. Results showed improvements in mood state, psychological well-being, and executive cognitive processes, including attention and processing speed. While CR did not significantly influence psychological well-being, it predicted cognitive improvements following the training.
The third chapter extends the investigation to clinical populations affected by CVDs, exploring the potential role of CR and MR in psychological well-being, quality of life, and health-related behaviors. A state-of-the-art review highlighted the limited and heterogeneous literature on these constructs in CVD patients. A longitudinal study further examined the relationships between CR, MR, psychological well-being, and self-care behaviors, showing partial associations, particularly between MR and self-acceptance, and suggesting a predictive role of MR in self-care behaviors over time.
Overall, although results are not entirely consistent, this contribution highlights the importance of enhancing both cognitive and motor reserve throughout the lifespan. Preventive interventions aimed at strengthening these reserves may contribute to maintaining cognitive and psychological resources in aging and improving health-related outcomes in individuals with cardiovascular disorders.