The relationship between cognitive reserve and personality traits: a pilot study on a healthy aging Italian sample

Background Exploring the role of different individual factors in affecting the cognitive reserve levels is crucial step for aging research. Several studies explored the relationship between personality traits and aging, but a specific focus on the cognitive reserve is missing. Aims This study aimed at collecting more direct evidence about possible relationships between cognitive reserve and personality traits. Methods A sample of 100 healthy aging participants was involved in the study. They completed the Big Five personality inventory and a test to assess the cognitive reserve. Results Results returned a positive relationship between the personality traits and participants’ cognitive reserve. The only factor that did not return a significant correlation was Emotional stability (which overlaps with Neuroticism). Discussion This study provides additional evidence to the existing literature and also adds relevant information and a critical reading regarding the role of personality traits that has been neglected in the aging literature, Friendliness and Conscientiousness. Conclusion The ability to measure and identify personality traits could be important in future research for developing interventions or activities that could target specific personality characteristics.