Research has unveiled insights into the brains of individuals classified as “superagers,” who maintain sharp cognitive abilities well into their 80s and beyond. These findings challenge the prevailing notion that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging.
Uncovering the Neurological Differences
A 25-year study led by Sandra Weintraub, a clinical neuropsychologist at Northwestern University, highlights that superagers exhibit significant neurological traits that distinguish them from the general aging population. The research reveals that superagers’ brains are less susceptible to the accumulation of protein clumps and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This unique resistance suggests that their brains may be inherently wired to fend off cognitive decline.
Superagers have demonstrated remarkable memory capabilities, recalling at least nine words from a list of 15, a performance comparable to individuals two to three decades younger. Research indicates that fewer than five percent of the population qualifies as superagers, making their cognitive abilities particularly exceptional.
Key Findings and Implications
The study involved monitoring 290 individuals aged 80 and above since 2000. Researchers discovered that superagers possess a greater concentration of specific neurons, known as entorhinal neurons, in vital brain regions. These neurons are crucial for memory and cognitive function, and their increased size may contribute to the resilience observed in superagers.
“One is resistance: they don’t make the plaques and tangles. Two is resilience: they make them, but they don’t do anything to their brains,” says Sandra Weintraub.
Notably, while typical aging is associated with a thinning outer brain layer, superagers show no such deterioration. This area is essential for conscious thoughts, memory, and language. Additionally, superagers possess a higher density of von Economo neurons and a thicker anterior cingulate gyrus, which plays a role in attention, emotion regulation, and decision-making.
The team of researchers also analyzed brain specimens from superagers who had been part of the study for decades. They suspect that these individuals are born with a higher density of critical neurons, contributing to their cognitive longevity.
According to Tamar Gefen, also a clinical neuropsychologist at Northwestern University, many findings stem from the examination of these dedicated superagers’ brain specimens. The research opens avenues for future investigations into the genetics influencing cognition as individuals age. Understanding these genetic factors may eventually lead to the development of pharmaceuticals that promote superager-like brain health and resist Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings from this research were published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, marking a significant step toward understanding how certain individuals can maintain cognitive vitality despite the challenges posed by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
