A framework for concepts of reserve and resilience in aging

The study of factors, across species, that allow some individuals to age more successfully than others has important implications for individual wellbeing as well as health education, policy and intervention. De-sign of studies and communication across investigators in this area has been hampered by a diversity of terminology. The Collaboratory on Research Definitions for Reserve and Resilience in Cognitive Aging and Dementia was funded by the National Institute on Aging and established in 2019 as a 3-year process of developing consensus definitions and research guidelines. The proposed Framework is based on an itera-tive process including 3 annual Workshops, focused workgroups, and input from numerous international investigators. It suggests the overarching term: resilience, and presents operational definitions for 3 con-cepts: cognitive reserve, brain maintenance, and brain reserve. Twelve pilot studies that integrate these definitions are presented. The use of a common vocabulary and operational definitions will facilitate even greater progress in understanding the factors that are associated with successful aging. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study of factors that contribute to successful aging across species has important implications for individual wellbeing and public health. However, the diversity of terminology in this field hinders research design and communication. The Collaboratory on Research Definitions for Reserve and Resilience in Cognitive Aging and Dementia, established in 2019, aims to develop consensus definitions and guidelines through collaborative efforts. The proposed framework suggests the use of the term "resilience" and provides operational definitions for cognitive reserve, brain maintenance, and brain reserve, along with pilot studies integrating these definitions. A common vocabulary and operational definitions will facilitate further progress in understanding the factors associated with successful aging.