The article by Yaakov Stern explores the concept of cognitive reserve (CR) and its implications for clinical practice. CR refers to the ability of individuals to function well despite brain pathology, which is distinct from brain reserve, which is based on the anatomical substrate. Epidemiological evidence suggests that life exposures such as higher education, occupational attainment, and engaging in leisure activities are associated with lower risk of dementia, indicating that these experiences may enhance cognitive reserve. The article reviews studies that test the neural substrates underlying CR and discusses the potential for interventions to enhance reserve, such as aerobic exercise and complex gameplay. CR has practical implications for clinical evaluation, where individuals with high reserve can tolerate more brain changes before showing clinical symptoms. The integration of CR into clinical practice could help in designing more effective interventions to maintain successful aging and slow the onset of dementia.The article by Yaakov Stern explores the concept of cognitive reserve (CR) and its implications for clinical practice. CR refers to the ability of individuals to function well despite brain pathology, which is distinct from brain reserve, which is based on the anatomical substrate. Epidemiological evidence suggests that life exposures such as higher education, occupational attainment, and engaging in leisure activities are associated with lower risk of dementia, indicating that these experiences may enhance cognitive reserve. The article reviews studies that test the neural substrates underlying CR and discusses the potential for interventions to enhance reserve, such as aerobic exercise and complex gameplay. CR has practical implications for clinical evaluation, where individuals with high reserve can tolerate more brain changes before showing clinical symptoms. The integration of CR into clinical practice could help in designing more effective interventions to maintain successful aging and slow the onset of dementia.