Cognitive reserve in a cross-cultural population: the case of Italian emigrants in Montreal

Background Cognitive reserve could be defined as the accumulation of experiences, abilities, knowledge and changes that occur throughout the lifespan. One of the most difficult changes in life is the experience of emigrating to a foreign country. Aims The present investigation aimed to compare the cognitive reserve of two paired groups of elderly: Italians living in Italy and Italians who in adult age (around 20 years) emigrated to Montreal. Both groups attended the same years of school, in Italy. Methods Cognitive reserve was measured in the two groups by a structured and standardised questionnaire, the cognitive reserve questionnaire. Results Cognitive reserve showed to be significantly higher in the Italian-Canadian individuals (i.e. Italians who emigrated). Conclusions Emigration might act as an environmental factor that enriches people's lifestyle and reflects itself in the amount of their cognitive reserve.