Super Agers Have Younger Brain Cells
A major study published in Scientific American reports that 'super agers' with exceptional memory possess significantly more 'young' brain cells than typical individuals of the same age. The research links cognitive vitality in later life to youthful neurons in crucial brain regions. Lifestyle interventions including exercise could potentially support 'super aging.'
The study, a collaboration between researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Washington, was published in the journal *Nature*. It identified a process called adult neurogenesis—the creation of new neurons—in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center, as a key factor in the exceptional memory of people in their 80s. Quantifiably, super agers produce new neurons at double the rate of other healthy older adults. In stark contrast, individuals with Alzheimer's disease showed almost no growth of new neurons, suggesting this "resilience signature" is a primary defense against cognitive decline. Beyond the birth of new cells, the brains of super agers also age slower. On average, a typical older adult's brain volume shrinks by 2.24% per year, whereas super agers' brains shrink by only 1.06%. This preservation is particularly noticeable in the cortex, the brain's outer layer. A specific region, the anterior cingulate cortex, is a hotspot of activity and is even thicker in super agers than in adults 20 to 30 years their junior. This area, crucial for attention and motivation, is densely populated with specialized cells called von Economo neurons, which are linked to social intelligence and awareness. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors are also being examined. The new neurons in super agers have unique epigenetic signatures, which are essentially blueprints for how cells respond to environmental factors. This suggests that external influences could potentially stimulate this beneficial cell growth. Interestingly, a 25-year study from Northwestern University found no single, universally healthy lifestyle among super agers; some exercised regularly while others did not, and habits like smoking and drinking varied. The one consistent trait identified across multiple studies is that super agers tend to be highly social. They report strong, high-quality interpersonal relationships and frequently engage in group activities, a characteristic that aligns with the well-preserved brain regions associated with social cognition.
