Research Sheds Light on “Superagers”
Cognitive decline is often associated with aging, yet not everyone experiences this issue. A study from Northwestern University examined a cohort of octogenarians who showed similar memory capabilities to those in their 50s. The intention was to explore the neurological differences that make this possible.
These individuals fall into the category of “superagers,” which refers to those over 80 years old who retain memories akin to someone 30 years younger. To qualify, they typically score 9 or higher on delayed word recall tests.
The term “superager” first emerged in the late 1990s, coined by Dr. M. Marcel Meshulam, the founder of Northwestern’s Meshulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease. Over the past 25 years, researchers have studied nearly 300 superagers, identifying shared traits such as high sociability and strong interpersonal connections.
Co-author Dr. Sandra Weintraub, a professor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, expressed surprise at their findings. The team discovered that some of these individuals’ brains lacked toxic amyloid and tau proteins—commonly linked to Alzheimer’s. They noted that while these proteins were present in some brains, they didn’t seem to hinder cognitive performance.
“We came to understand there are two main factors identifying superagers,” Weintraub stated. “One is resistance; they don’t develop plaques or tangles. The second is resilience; even if they do form these, they don’t negatively impact the brain.” Superagers also generally retain a thicker cortex and a more robust anterior cingulate cortex, which is crucial for decision-making and emotional processing.
The study revealed that superagers had more von Economo neurons, linked to social behavior, along with larger entorhinal neurons, which play an essential role in memory.
Weintraub emphasized that these findings suggest superior memory in elderly individuals is indeed achievable and associated with a distinctive neurobiological profile. This insight may pave the way for new ways to support brain health as people age.
Researchers hope that by analyzing traits common among superagers, they can devise strategies to enhance cognitive resilience and possibly delay conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Mark Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News, shared that continued cognitive activity—through social engagement and intellectual challenges—plays a significant role in maintaining brain health. He concluded, “The secret likely combines genetic factors with an active approach to brain care, both socially and intellectually.”
This compelling study, funded by the Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the National Institute on Aging, was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
