Essential
- American researchers have been studying “Superages” for 25 years, octogenarians with exceptional memory.
- Their brains have unique characteristics, such as a thicker cortex and specialized neurons.
- Their sociability also seems to play a key role in their cognitive longevity.
For 25 years, researchers at Northwestern University in the United States have been studying a very special group of seniors: “SuperAgers“, or super-seniors, people over 80 with a memory worthy of fifties. Their objective: to understand how certain elderly people manage to challenge the laws of cognitive aging. Their work has just been published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
An extraordinary memory
To be considered as SuperAgeryou must obtain a score of at least 9 out of 15 to a delayed word recall test – a result comparable to that of younger thirties. “Our results show that an exceptional memory at an advanced age is not only possible, but that it is linked to a distinct neurobiological profile”explains Dr Sandra Weintraub, professor of psychiatry and neurology in Northwestern, in a press release.
But the surprise does not only come from tests. Autopsies of 77 brains of SuperAgers have revealed specific structures: an absence of cortical slimming, even a thicker anterior cortex than in younger adults. This key area manages emotions, motivation and decision -making.
Some brains, however, have amyloid plates and tau proteins, typical of Alzheimer’s disease. So how do they keep their faculties? “We have identified two mechanisms: resistance to the formation of these lesions, and resilience, that is to say their ability to limit the effect on the brain”explicitr dr weightraub.
Unique neurons, a rich social life
THE SuperAgers Also have more von Economo neurons, linked to social behavior, as well as larger, essential, essential to memory entorhinal neurons. Although they have various lifestyles, a common trait emerges: their sociability. They have strong interpersonal relationships, a potentially key factor in their cognitive longevity.
Participants of the program often agree to give their brains to science. An approach welcomed by Dr Tamar Gefen, co-author of the study: “Brain donation allows discoveries long after death, offering a form of scientific immortality”. This research on SuperAgers could well open the way for new strategies to age with a brain in great shape.