Why Can the Brains of 80-Year-Old Seniors Be as Sharp as Young Adults?
A recent study has revealed a remarkable phenomenon in a group of seniors dubbed ‘SuperAgers.’ These are individuals aged 80 and 90 with mental acuity comparable to people decades younger. The study found that their brains produce twice as many young neurons compared to healthy adults, and 2.5 times more than those with Alzheimer’s.
‘This shows that the aging brain has the capacity to regenerate, which is a very significant finding,’ said Dr. Tamar Gefen, a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Unlike stable adult neurons, young neurons are highly adaptive and plastic. These cells have a higher ability to grow and connect with other brain networks. According to Gefen, ‘SuperAgers’ show preservation of young neurons with high levels of excitability, cells that are ready to work quickly.
In addition to the number of neurons, the study published in the journal Nature found that the hippocampus (memory center) in SuperAgers has a much stronger support system. This unique cellular environment fosters the growth of new neurons, like fertile soil nourishing plant seedlings.
The research also provides biological evidence that the brains of SuperAgers are more flexible or plastic. This flexibility allows the brain to repair itself from damage caused by aging or injury. Interestingly, the nerve regeneration profile in SuperAgers is even more active than in adults aged 30-40.
‘The nerve formation profile in SuperAgers shows resilience. They are able to cope with damage caused by the passage of time,’ said Orly Lazarov, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
To be classified as a SuperAger, a person must be over 80 years old and pass a series of rigorous cognitive tests, especially on episodic memory, the ability to remember daily events in detail.
Although genetic factors play a role, a healthy lifestyle is also key. Dr. Richard Isaacson, an Alzheimer’s prevention expert, explains that lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep have been medically proven to grow certain areas of the brain and reduce signs of Alzheimer’s.
In general, SuperAgers tend to have similar characteristics:
Gefen added that in brain tissue donated by SuperAgers, the cingulate cortex, the area responsible for attention and motivation, was found to be thicker compared to people in their 50s. In addition, they have far fewer tau protein plaques, which are typically characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. (CNN/Z-2)
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