Table 1.

Examples of potential determinants of the inter-individual variability in cognitive decline.

Determinant	Mechanisms	Example
Gender Age Education Intelligence coefficient Development of expertise in a particular domain through training Bilingualism Socioeconomic factors	Reserve	Education improves neuronal resources during childhood and adulthood and ameliorate age-related cognitive decline in later adulthood. This beneficial effect may be partly mediated by the effects of education on health, stress, lifestyle and profession.
Occupational attainment Cognitive and social engagement Physical activity Diet Alcohol abuse Comorbidities Smoking Stress Genetic factors	Maintenance	Regular physical activity and exercise promotes neurogenesis and beneficial vascular changes which enhance brain maintenance.