Superager Brains Remain Youthful, Revealing Clues to Cognitive Resilience
CHICAGO – In a breakthrough discovery offering potential pathways to combat age-related cognitive decline, researchers at Northwestern University have identified key structural and neurological differences in teh brains of “superagers” – individuals over 80 who possess memory capabilities comparable to those in their 20s. The findings, published in AlzheimerS & Dementia, reveal that superagers exhibit preserved brain volume in areas critical for conscious thought, memory, and language, unlike typical aging individuals who experience thinning in these regions.
The study pinpointed higher densities of von Economo neurons and a thicker anterior cingulate gyrus in superagers, even when compared to much younger people. These specialized neurons, found within the anterior cingulate gyrus, play a vital role in regulating attention, emotion, and decision-making. Previous research had already indicated the anterior cingulate gyrus doesn’t shrink as expected in superagers.
“Many of the findings from this paper stem from the examination of brain specimens of generous, dedicated superagers who were followed for decades,” says Northwestern University clinical neuropsychologist Tamar Gefen.
researchers suspect superagers may be born with a naturally higher density of von economo neurons. The observed brain stability in superagers over time suggests these neurological features contribute to their exceptional cognitive resilience. The team also identified a list of genes, highlighted by prior research, warranting further inquiry.
Ultimately, understanding the genetic factors influencing cognition during aging could pave the way for developing pharmaceuticals that mimic the “superager brain setting” and offer resistance to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
