Uncovering the Mystery Behind the Remarkable and Healthy SuperAgers
In the realm of aging, a group of individuals stands out – the so-called "super agers." These remarkable individuals, aged 80 and above, possess memories that rival those of people in their 50s and 60s. But what sets them apart?
Research suggests that the super agers' brains exhibit unique characteristics, primarily due to two main biological mechanisms: resistance and resilience. Resistance refers to the brain's ability to avoid producing harmful Alzheimer's-related plaques and tangles, while resilience means the brain can tolerate these proteins without cognitive decline.
Super agers show youthful brain characteristics with no significant cortical thinning, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex – a region crucial for decision-making, emotion, and motivation. They also have higher densities of specialized von Economo neurons, involved in social behavior and emotional processing, and often larger entorhinal neurons, essential for memory function.
The exceptional memory performance of super agers, lower levels of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, greater social engagement, reduced brain inflammation, and slower cortical thinning over time are all contributing factors to their maintained cognition.
Interestingly, the larger memory cells in super agers resist protein deposits associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining healthy habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is crucial for preventing cognitive decline, regardless of being a super ager or not.
Adopting a lifestyle that includes being socially engaged, staying active, and managing stress can help achieve cognitive health benefits similar to those of super agers. Social connections play a significant role in warding off dementia in the aging process. A healthy diet rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while avoiding junk food and excess, is beneficial for cognitive health.
The reasons for the differences between super agers and others are still being researched. However, the super agers studied have an unwavering willingness or ability to constantly challenge themselves. The social intelligence brain cells, linked to the exceptional cognitive abilities of super agers, facilitate rapid communication across the brain, enhancing the ability to navigate the outside world.
In essence, super agers are characterized by a unique neurobiological profile combining preserved brain structure, cellular traits, and cognitive resilience or resistance to neurodegeneration, supported by lifestyle factors like strong social connections. The characteristics of super agers, as reported in AARP, are also reflected in research from other reports in the U.S. Super agers have a clear thinking ability and participate in many activities that most people their age cannot.
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