How can you keep your brain agile as you age and take on new challenges? Cognitive reserve refers to the ability of our mind to adapt, finding new ways to work around our brain’s physical changes. Learn what you can do to build and maintain a strong and flexible mind in this animated explainer by Cody Courtois from the Reynolds School of Journalism. Music by Raymond Vela, used with permission.
References:
Ellison, J.M. 2025. “Healthy Aging and Cognitive Reserve.” BrightFocus Foundation. November 4. https://www.brightfocus.org/resource/healthy-aging-and-cognitive-reserve/
Hamilton, Jon. 2025. “Mental exercise can reverse a brain change linked to aging, study finds.” NPR. Oct 22. https://www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5581409/mental-exercise-reverse-brain-change-aging-acetylcholine
Harvard Health. 2024. “What is cognitive reserve?” Harvard Health Publishing. December 16. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-cognitive-reserve
Stern, Yaakov. 2009. “Cognitive Reserve.” Neuropsychologia 47 (10): 2015–2028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2009.03.004
Cody Courtois is a non-traditional Journalism student, majoring in film and media production while earning minors in both creative writing and cinema studies. Cody created this science explainer for RSJ’s Motion Graphics course in fall 2025, taught by Luka Starmer.
