Strengthening multidisciplinary research on cognitive reserve in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) as the most common form of dementia has been recognized as a global public health priority owing to its huge negative impact on sustainable social and economic development. Neuropathological and moleclar neuroimaging studies revealed the disparities between the load of Alzheimer pathology in the brain and the severity of cognitive symptoms, in which cognitive reserve hypothesis has been proposed to interpret this phenomenon. Indeed, epidemiological research has shown that certain intellectual factors such as early-life high education, midlife great work complexity, and leisure-time social, mental, and physical activities are frequently associated with a reduced risk of AD or dementia, possibly by increasing the cognitive reserve capacity, thus delaying the clinical onset of AD or dementia syndrome. The cognitive reserve hypothesis has been supported by neuropathological and moleclar neuroimaging studies, although its neuropathological and neurobiological mechanisms remain largely unknown. The cognitive reserve hypothesis has significant implications for interventions to delay the clinical onset of dementia or AD. Thus, we call for action in China to strengthen multidisciplinary research on cognitive reserve in AD as well as its neurobiological mechanisms. This will help develop intervention programs that are sensitive to Chinese society and clture to delay the clinical onset of AD and dementia. Key words: Alzheimer disease; Intelligence; Cognitive reserve; Poplation intervention