The cognitive reserve is described as the efficient connectivity between neural networks which differs from the concept of cerebral reserve, indicative of larger volume of neural cells and, therefore, an increased ability to tolerate brain insults or effects of aging itself. A more detailed explanation would include the idea that the neural compensation mechanism uses alternative ways of the brain to perform activities considered complex. This activation is not observed in normal brains and may allow the individual to maintain levels of performance close to the basal state. In the present study we describe the case of an 85-year-old female, 15 years of schooling (Social Work), whose nephew reported having noticed a change in mood three years ago. There was no complaint regarding cognitive symptoms, neither by the elderly nor by relatives and caregivers. In the global geriatric evaluation the elderly presented a performance in the cognitive screening lower than expected, but also scored positively for depressive symptomatology.