Researchers at Northwestern University’s Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease recently studied nearly 300 super-agers and examined the donated brains of 77 deceased super-agers.

The study, led by Dr. Sandra Weintraub, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, identified 4 key characteristics shared by super-agers.

Illustrative photo: Pexels

Exceptional memory performance: Super-agers performed as well on the “delayed word recall” test as people in their 50s and 60s.

Brain structure: Super-agers experienced minimal thinning of the outer layer of the brain, the cortex, as they aged. This area is crucial for decision-making, emotions, and motivation. While most people lose brain volume with age, super-agers retain cortical thickness, especially in the frontal and temporal lobes, regions vital for episodic memory.

Unique cellular characteristics: Super-agers had a higher number of von economo neurons, which are linked to social behavior, and larger olfactory neurons, associated with memory. This may explain their ability to maintain mental activities like reading, learning, and social interaction.

Sociability: Super-agers were highly sociable and maintained strong personal relationships. They frequently interacted with friends and family and actively participated in community groups. Social engagement, including conversations and shared activities, helps maintain memory networks in the brain. These connections also reduce loneliness and depression, risk factors for cognitive decline.

Dr. Weintraub concludes these findings indicate exceptional memory in old age is linked to distinct neurobiological factors. This opens doors for new interventions to protect brain health into the later decades of life.

The researchers hope to identify strategies to enhance cognitive resilience and slow or prevent dementia and other cognitive decline.

Thuy Linh (Theo Bestlife)