Cognitive reserve is important for PwMS as it can compensate damage caused by MS to a certain amount. Learn how to measure and improve it.

You can read through the complete article on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/109-cognitive-reserve

I often talk about the cognitive reserve in my podcast and blog posts. When it is used up, the brain can no longer compensate for any damage that occurs. However, it is more of a concept and not that easy to grasp, this cognitive reserve, and of course it can also be used up in other ways. So it’s time to take a closer look at it. How can you measure it and what do you do with the result? Fortunately, there are a number of training options to counteract the invisible challenges – such as memory lapses, concentration difficulties or slowed thinking. To ensure that cognitive changes do not have a significant impact, it is crucial that our brain has the ability to adapt, remain flexible and continue to function even in the event of damage or disease. The good news? Cognitive reserve is not set at birth. You can actively build and strengthen it over time, even into old age.

Find out what the concept of cognitive reserve really means, how it is measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq), and, most importantly, what you can do to protect and boost your brainpower – even if you are struggling with MS-related fatigue or limited time. Whether you are just starting to explore the topic or are looking for new strategies, this guide is designed to help you take a confident step towards mental resilience.

Table of Contents

• What Is Cognitive Reserve and Why Is It Important in MS?
• What Is the CRIq and How Does It Measure Cognitive Reserve?
• What Can You Do If Your Cognitive Reserve Is Low?
• Why Aren’t These Tests Commonly Used in MS Care?
• How Reliable Is a Self-Test and What Are Its Limitations?
• Why Is It Always Worthwhile to Train Cognitive Reserve?
• How Can You Train Cognitive Reserve Effectively?
• Do I Need to Train All Areas?
• Why You Shouldn’t Be Disheartened by a Low Starting Score
• How to Start Small (Especially with Fatigue or Limited Time)
• In Summary
• More information

You can also complete the CRIq conveniently online through the official platform: https://www.cognitivereserveindex.org/choice.php. This allows you to choose between a long or short version, both designed for easy self-assessment. I’ve done it myself and provided my anonymous information to the University of Padua, Italy. It is quite basic, but gives you an idea where you stand.

More information

If you want to know more about the cognitive reserve, you might want to start with the Wikipedia article which offers further resources as always.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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