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. 2011 Mar;26(2):139-44.
doi: 10.1177/1533317510397328. Epub 2011 Jan 31.

Exploring the role of cognitive reserve in early-onset dementia

Sarah E Fairjones  1 , Elizabeth J Vuletich, Carmela Pestell, Peter K Panegyres
Affiliations

Exploring the role of cognitive reserve in early-onset dementia

Sarah E Fairjones et al. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Aim: Cognitive reserve (CR) is important in protecting the brain from injury and has not been investigated in people with early-onset dementia (EOD).

Methods: A retrospective case control study of 44 patients with dementia onset prior to 65 years of age: Alzheimer's disease (AD) = 23; frontotemporal dementia (FTD) = 21. Groups were matched for age, education, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), premorbid IQ, sex and APOE ε4 genotype. Years of formal education were used as a marker of CR. Relationships between education and neuropsychological data was examined using linear regression analyses.

Results: There were no demographic differences between the AD and FTD groups. Significant associations were found between education and attention, working memory and visuospatial abilities. There was an effect of CR for the EOD group and selective effects in FTD and AD.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest CR is operational in patients with FTD and AD.

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