Background:

Cognitive reserve (CR) is a protective factor in aging. Depression and perceived social support are associated with cognitive performance in older adults. However, their role in the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning is less clear.

Aim:

To determine the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning and whether this relationship is mediated by depression and moderated by social support.

Material and Methods:

CR, depression, perceived social support, and cognitive functioning scales were applied to a convenience sample of 206 older adults, aged 69 ± 1 years (77% women). Structural equation analysis and moderate mediation analysis were performed.

Results:

There was a direct effect of CR in cognitive functioning (β = 0.223, p = 0.005), which was not mediated by depression (β = 0.040, p = 0.096). High CR scores were associated with lower depression scores (β = −0.203, p = 0.002). Higher depression scores were associated with worse cognitive functioning (β = −0.168, p = 0.040). The effect of CR on depression was moderated by social support (β = −0.161, p = 0.032) controlling for income and age.

Conclusions:

The relationship between CR and cognition in older adults allows an early assessment of cognitive dysfunction risk. Depression is an independent risk factor for cognitive functioning. Social support protects individuals with high CR from developing depression.