Super-agers: sharp memory despite age

It is a common belief that it is natural for memory to decline with age. But there are some people for whom age is just a number. Scientists have challenged the idea that as people age, their thinking abilities and memory inevitably decline. After 25 years of research, they have identified certain individuals who are called “super-agers”. These people are over 80 years of age, but their memories are as sharp as people of 40 or 50. Research has also shown that the secret lies not only in their diet, but also in the unique structure of their brain and the nature of social interactions. Can we also make our brain like a super-ager? Let’s find out…

For 25 years, scientists at Northwestern Medicine have been researching people over the age of 80 who have the same memory as people in their 40s and 50s. These individuals have been named “super-agers”. This research challenges the old belief that brain function inevitably declines with age. Scientists say that some people are successful in maintaining their strong memory and thinking ability despite increasing age.

Secret of the Super-Agers

According to Dr. Sandra Weintraub of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, the brains of these individuals are quite different from those of the typical elderly. The research revealed two main things:

Resistance
The harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer’s—such as amyloid and tau—do not build up in the brains of super-agers.

Resilience
Even if these proteins are converted into proteins, they do not have any negative effect on the brain.

unique structure of the brain

When scientists studied the brains of these super-agers, they were completely amazed. Normally, the outer layer of the brain becomes thinner with age; But in “super-agers” this layer remains the same.

Their brain contains a large number of special types of neurons—called ‘von Economo neurons’—which are to social behavior. The cells in their entorhinal cortex—the main area responsible for memory—were found to be much larger and healthier.

importance of social connection

Not loneliness, but fellowship preserves memory!
Research has shown that even though these people engage in different types of physical activities, they have one thing in common: They are all highly active socially. Their deep social connections and constant interactions with others play an important role in keeping their brains young.

According to Dr. Tamar Geffen, the information gained from the study of these ‘super-agers’ will be helpful in the future development of new drugs and treatment methods for the prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.