Review

Abstract

In the ongoing quest to prevent dementia, recent research has uncovered the potential of lifestyle modifications for at-risk individuals. A multidomain lifestyle intervention can work its magic by both boosting cognitive reserve and minimizing those pesky modifiable risk factors. Cognitive reserve, the brain's efficiency in action, depends on its neural substrate, including brain volume, cerebral metabolism, and neural network connectivity, like synaptic density and dendritic branching. So, when a multidomain lifestyle intervention enhances or maintains cognitive reserve, we can see it reflected in changes to structural or functional brain imaging, or in the levels of neurotrophic factors, such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. On top of that, exploratory studies show promising results for group preventive strategies at facilities, which encourage neuroplastic changes in brain areas that support learning. Still, to confirm the multidomain lifestyle intervention’s impact on cognitive reserve’s neural substrates, future studies should make them the primary outcome measure.