Associations of cognitive reserve and psychological resilience with cognitive functioning in subjects with cerebral white matter hyperintensities

Background and purpose Cerebral small vessel disease is characterized by progressive white matter hyperintensities (WMH) cognitive decline. However, variability exists in how individuals maintain capabilities despite significant neuropathology. The relationships between individual reserve, psychological resilience functioning were examined subjects with varying degrees of WMH. Methods In the Helsinki Small Vessel Disease Study, 152 (aged 65–75 years) underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, evaluation subjective complaints brain magnetic resonance imaging volumetric WMH evaluation. Cognitive reserve was determined education (years) modified Reserve Scale (mCRS). Psychological evaluated Resilience 14. Results mCRS total score correlated significantly years (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), but it not related to age, sex or volume. Together, associated performance wide range domains including processing speed, executive functions, working memory, verbal visuospatial perception reasoning. Independently education, had incremental predictive value on delayed recall complaints. sex, severity test scores, Conclusions has strong consistent associations Education widely objective functioning, whereas lifetime engagement cognitively stimulating leisure activities (mCRS) independent memory strongly subjective, objective, functioning.