The Super-Ager Brain: Unlocking the Secrets to Lifelong Cognitive Resilience
For decades, the prevailing scientific view held that our brains were largely fixed after a certain age. But a groundbreaking wave of research is challenging that notion, revealing that some individuals – dubbed “SuperAgers” – maintain exceptional cognitive function well into their 80s and 90s, boasting memory capabilities comparable to those 30 years younger. The key? A remarkable ability to continue generating new neurons throughout life.
The Neuron Advantage: Why SuperAgers Stand Out
Scientists at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, in collaboration with Northwestern University’s SuperAging Program, have discovered that SuperAgers generate twice as many new neurons in the hippocampus – the brain region critical for learning and memory – compared to typical older adults. This isn’t just about preserving existing cognitive function; it’s about actively building and maintaining brain plasticity. Compared to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, SuperAgers have two and a half times as many new neurons.
“This discovery means that the super-agers have a molecular capability that allows them to have higher [cognitive] performance, and that includes more neurogenesis,” explains study co-author Orly Lazarov, director of UIC’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training Program. “Neurogenesis is one of the most profound forms of plasticity in the brain.”
Beyond Genetics: The Role of Lifestyle and Brain Environment
While the recent research marks the first discovery of a genetic difference between SuperAgers and typical older adults, it’s not solely about genes. The SuperAging Program’s 25+ years of research have identified several contributing factors. SuperAgers tend to be more extroverted, have stronger social engagement, and exhibit a greater openness to new experiences. They too demonstrate slower cortical thinning – a natural process of brain volume reduction that accelerates with age.
Researchers have also pinpointed changes in two types of cells – astrocytes and CA1 neurons – that aid regulate memory and cognition in the aging hippocampus. SuperAgers’ brains exhibit a “resilience signature,” allowing them to cope with age-related changes and maintain cognitive performance.
What Can We Learn From SuperAgers?
The implications of this research extend far beyond understanding the biology of exceptional aging. It opens up the possibility of developing interventions to boost neurogenesis in individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Understanding the mechanisms that allow SuperAgers to maintain a youthful brain could pave the way for new therapies and preventative strategies.
Interestingly, SuperAgers also show resistance to tau tangles, abnormal protein buildups linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and have fewer activated microglia – immune cells in the brain that turn into overactive in neurodegenerative disorders.
The Future of Cognitive Enhancement
The discovery of continued neurogenesis in the adult human brain, once considered impossible, is reshaping our understanding of brain plasticity. Researchers are now exploring ways to stimulate neurogenesis through lifestyle interventions, pharmacological approaches, and even targeted brain stimulation techniques.
The brain, as Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program suggests, is like a lump of clay – malleable and adaptable throughout life. However, neglecting cognitive fitness and overall health can cause that clay to harden, making it more hard to reshape.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – including regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, social engagement, and continuous learning – is crucial for supporting brain health and maximizing cognitive resilience. As Sel Yackley, an 86-year-old participant in the Northwestern SuperAging Program, puts it: “Stay active, mentally and physically.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a SuperAger? A SuperAger is an individual over 80 whose memory performance is equal to or better than people in their 50s.
- What is neurogenesis? Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons in the brain.
- Is it possible to improve my brain health as I age? Yes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including physical exercise, social engagement, and continuous learning, can support brain health.
- Is there a genetic component to becoming a SuperAger? Recent research suggests there is a genetic component, but lifestyle factors also play a significant role.
Pro Tip: Prioritize lifelong learning. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill, can help keep your brain active and promote neuroplasticity.
Want to learn more about brain health and aging? Explore additional resources on the Northwestern SuperAging Program website.
