Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered why some adults can live well into their 80s with near-perfect cognition. These “super-agers” are aged 80 or older but maintain memory similar to that of adults in their 50s and 60s.
Scientists studied 290 super-agers and autopsied 77 brains, revealing key personality traits such as being highly social and having strong interpersonal relationships. However, the brain differences that set them apart from others are more surprising.
In some super-agers’ brains, amyloid and tau proteins were present, but they didn’t cause damage, unlike in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, researchers found two mechanisms that contributed to their exceptional memory: resistance (not producing damaging proteins) and resilience (producing proteins without harming the brain).
Further analysis revealed youthful brain structures, including thicker cortexes and more von economo neurons, which are linked to social behavior, emotional processing, and self-awareness.
The study’s findings suggest exceptional memory in old age is tied to a distinct neurobiological profile. The research may lead to new interventions aimed at preserving brain health and delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Source: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/scientists-25-years-studying-super-agers