The Cognitive Interplay: Exploring the Relationship Between Mild Behavioral Impairment, Cognitive Decline and Cognitive Reserve
Ria Tahiliani1, Meenakshi Shah2, Kushal Thakur1, Vraj Rangrej1, Aarav Shah1, Sadhana Hingorani3, Ebbie Thomas1
1G.M.E.R.S Hospital and University, Gotri, 2Medicine, G.M.E.R.S Hospital and University, Gotri, 3Pharmacology, S.M.I.M.E.R Hospital and University
Objective:
This study aims to explore the interrelationships among Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI), cognitive decline and cognitive reserve, with a particular focus on the cognitive decline in individuals with MBI and the protective influence of cognitive reserve on both MBI and cognitive decline.
Background:
Cognitive decline is a common aspect of aging, exhibiting considerable variability across individuals. Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms that may precede or exacerbate cognitive decline. Cognitive reserve refers to the brain's capacity to adapt to aging and damage, providing a framework for understanding the differential maintenance of cognitive functions among aging individuals. This reserve may mitigate the effects of both MBI and cognitive decline.
Design/Methods:
A cross-sectional design was employed to assess participants aged 50 years and older. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was utilized to evaluate cognitive decline, while the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) was administered to identify MBI. The Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) was used to gauge cognitive reserve. Data were analyzed utilizing correlation and descriptive statistical analyses.
Results:
The study analyzed a total of 353 participants (mean age = 67.53, SD = 10.3; 44.75% female). Of these, 44.19% (n = 156) exhibited MBI, with 60.89% of those displaying cognitive decline. Notably, participants with higher cognitive reserve showed significantly less cognitive decline despite the presence of MBI (p < 0.001, χ² = 90.13). Furthermore, across the entire sample, higher cognitive reserve was significantly associated with reduced cognitive decline (p < 0.001, χ² = 198.5).
Conclusions:
The presence of MBI was linked to a considerable prevalence of cognitive decline among participants. Importantly, individuals with higher cognitive reserve exhibited diminished cognitive decline even in the context of MBI. These findings underscore the potential role of cognitive reserve as a protective factor against cognitive decline in older adults, highlighting its importance in mitigating the adverse effects of MBI.
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