Cognitive reserve maps the core loci of neurodegeneration in corticobasal degeneration

Background and purpose Cognitively stimulating life experiences and activities are deemed to moderate the clinical impact of brain damage progressively building a neural and cognitive reserve (CR). CR has been studied extensively in various neurodegenerative disorders, but not in corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Methods Using Statistical Parametric Mapping 8, years of education, as a determinant of CR, was correlated with tracer uptake on positron emission tomography with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose, as a marker of neurodegeneration, in 35 patients with various phenotypes of CBD, including a cognitive–motor composite score or symptoms duration as covariates for controlling disease stage. Results A cluster of relative hypometabolism was found associated with higher education in the left inferior regions of pre‐ and post‐rolandic gyri and insula, which represent typical loci of neurodegeneration in CBD regardless of clinical presentation. Conclusions The present findings extend to CBD the evidence gathered in other neurodegenerative disorders that a higher CR has a protective effect against the clinical manifestations of brain degeneration.