An exceptional group of seniors is redefining the usual beliefs about cognitive decrease, keeping their mental acuity on par with individuals significantly younger. These people, referred to as SuperAgers, show that experiencing loss of memory and diminished cognitive abilities are not unavoidable results of growing old.
Northwestern University’s SuperAging Research Program has conducted research on these outstanding elderly individuals for more than twenty years, uncovering intriguing insights into brain health during older age. The program characterizes SuperAgers as people over 80 whose memory test performance matches that of healthy individuals in their 50s or 60s. Their findings indicate that keeping cognitive capacities youthful involves both biological benefits and lifestyle preferences.
Sel Yackley, an 85-year-old participant in the study, exemplifies the SuperAger profile. Her packed schedule includes crafting jewelry, singing in a choir, knitting for charity, participating in a book club, regular gym visits, and civic engagement – all while maintaining healthy sleep patterns. “Take good care of your health, eat right, and be sociable,” Yackley advises, summarizing her approach to aging well.
The Northwestern research team has identified several common traits among SuperAgers through extensive psychological testing, brain imaging, and in some cases, postmortem brain examinations. Their findings challenge assumptions about Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive aging.
Neurological examinations of SuperAger brains after death revealed significantly fewer tau protein tangles – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s – in memory centers compared to typical older adults. Surprisingly, amyloid plaque accumulation, another Alzheimer’s indicator, appeared similar between groups. This discovery raises important questions about current Alzheimer’s treatments that primarily target amyloid plaques.
SuperAgers exhibit unique structural differences in their brains. The neurons in their entorhinal cortex, which are essential for forming memories, are larger and more resilient compared to those of others their age. In addition, they have a greater number of von Economo neurons, which are specialized cells linked to social understanding and emotional intelligence.
While genetics clearly play a role – SuperAgers typically lack high-risk Alzheimer’s genes like APOE4 – researchers emphasize that DNA isn’t destiny. The study participants display diverse lifestyles, with some following exemplary health regimens while others indulge in various vices. What unites them appears to be an engaged, purposeful approach to life rather than any single behavior.
La interacción social aparece como un tema frecuente entre los SuperAgers, aunque la forma de estos vínculos varía considerablemente. Algunos preservan relaciones familiares estrechas, otros se relacionan a través de comunidades artísticas, y muchos encuentran sentido en la participación cívica o las prácticas espirituales. “No ves a muchos SuperAgers desvinculados”, comenta la Dra. Tamar Gefen, profesora de psiquiatría de Northwestern que participa en el estudio.
The rarity of SuperAgers makes them particularly valuable to science. During initial study recruitment, only 10% of applicants met the stringent cognitive criteria. The current active research cohort includes 101 individuals aged 81 to 111, whose ongoing participation helps scientists understand protective factors against age-related cognitive decline.
These exceptional elders are contributing to science not just during their lives but beyond. Many, like Yackley, have pledged to donate their brains to the Northwestern Brain Bank. “I don’t want to be underground,” Yackley says, explaining her decision to donate her body to medical research and education.
The SuperAger phenomenon provides encouragement and direction for individuals aspiring to preserve cognitive sharpness throughout their lives. Although genetic benefits cannot be duplicated, the noted trends of social involvement, intellectual engagement, and physical exercise offer practical methods to enhance brain health at any stage of life.
As investigations advance, researchers aim to discover particular biological defense mechanisms that may result in new strategies for the prevention or treatment of dementia. The SuperAger study highlights that growing older doesn’t automatically imply a deterioration in cognitive abilities and that keeping a keen, active mind as we age is an attainable objective for numerous individuals.
At this moment, Yackley stays busy, involved in a personal scrapbook venture amid her various pursuits. Her story and that of her fellow SuperAgers serve as tangible evidence that the later years can indeed be full of cognitive energy and meaningful engagement.
