In this episode of Change Your Mind, Health Journalists Helen Thomson and Cat de Lange explore the science of cognitive reserve, the brain’s hidden resilience that can help delay the symptoms of dementia. 

They talk to Professor Yaakov Stern, a leading researcher in the field, to uncover what cognitive reserve actually is, how it’s measured, and why some people stay mentally sharp despite significant brain changes. Along the way, they delve into surprising evidence on music, bilingualism, social life, exercise, and even hobbies like quilting and photography to ask how much effort we really need to put in to future‑proof our brains.

Produced by Emily Bird

We want to hear your thoughts, leave a comment or send in your ideas for future episodes to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠changeyourmind@newscientist.com

Find out more about Cognitive Reserve at New Scientist:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2526727-why-you-need-to-future-proof-your-brain-in-middle-age-and-how-to-start/

Sources:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2490103-steadfast-lifestyle-changes-seem-best-to-improve-cognitive-decline/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2514823-specific-cognitive-training-has-astonishing-effect-on-dementia-risk/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397664-we-may-finally-know-how-cognitive-reserve-protects-against-alzheimers/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25544932/

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