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Neural Reserves

Meaning

Neural reserves refer to the brain’s inherent capacity for cognitive resilience, encompassing the structural integrity and functional flexibility of neural networks that allow the brain to cope with pathology or age-related decline without manifesting overt clinical symptoms of cognitive impairment. This reserve capacity is significantly influenced by key neurotrophic hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which modulate neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and cerebral blood flow. Maintaining robust neural reserves is a primary objective in longevity medicine, recognizing the critical role of the endocrine system in sustaining long-term cognitive health. These reserves act as a buffer against neurodegenerative processes.