What Makes a SuperAger Cognitively Exceptional?
SuperAgers are a rare and extraordinary group of individuals who challenge the assumption that significant cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging. The study of SuperAgers, pioneered by the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease at Northwestern University, seeks to understand what allows these individuals to flourish cognitively. The research has unveiled several unique biological markers and behavioral traits that set them apart from their peers. Their brains provide invaluable insights into the mechanisms of aging, resilience, and resistance to neurodegeneration.
Unique Brain Characteristics
Through advanced neuroimaging techniques like MRI and post-mortem brain donation, scientists have identified several key neurobiological distinctions in SuperAgers:
- Slower Brain Atrophy: While a typically aging brain loses volume at an average rate of about 2.24% per year, SuperAger brains show shrinkage at only half that rate, approximately 1.06% per year. This resistance to cortical thinning is a hallmark of the SuperAger brain.
- Thicker Cortex: Studies have consistently shown that SuperAgers have a thicker cortex—the brain's outer layer responsible for higher-level functions like memory and language—than their cognitively average peers. Some studies even report a thicker anterior cingulate cortex compared to younger adults, a region crucial for motivation and attention.
- Higher Neuron Density: A key finding is the higher density of specific, large nerve cells. SuperAgers possess a greater number of von Economo neurons, which are linked to social awareness and emotional functioning, and larger entorhinal neurons, which are vital for memory. This enhanced cellular structure is thought to contribute to their remarkable cognitive preservation.
- Resilience to Pathology: Notably, some SuperAger brains show resistance to certain pathological signs associated with Alzheimer's disease, such as neurofibrillary tau tangles, even when amyloid plaques are present. This suggests a powerful resilience mechanism that allows their brains to function optimally despite some age-related changes.
Lifestyle Factors of SuperAgers
While genetics and biology play a significant role, research suggests that certain lifestyle choices and psychosocial factors are also prominent among SuperAgers. These habits are not a guaranteed path to becoming a SuperAger, but they are beneficial for overall cognitive health and well-being.
- Mental Stimulation: SuperAgers continuously challenge their brains with meaningful and engaging activities, moving beyond their comfort zones to learn new skills. This could involve learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or pursuing creative projects.
- Physical Activity: Although not all are devoted gym-goers, SuperAgers tend to be physically active, whether through regular exercise, walking, or just remaining active throughout the day. Regular physical activity supports brain health by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and fostering new neural connections.
- Strong Social Connections: A consistent finding across studies is that SuperAgers tend to be highly social, reporting strong, high-quality relationships with family and friends. This social engagement is believed to be highly stimulating for the brain, helping to ward off loneliness and depression, both linked to cognitive decline.
- Resilience and Mindset: Many SuperAgers have overcome significant life challenges, displaying a resilient mindset. They tend to view mental and physical tasks as challenges they can succeed at, contrasting with the more pessimistic view some typically aging adults may adopt.
The Difference Between a SuperAger and Normal Aging
Understanding the contrast between SuperAgers and individuals experiencing typical cognitive aging provides a clearer picture of what makes this group so special.
Feature | SuperAger | Typical Older Adult |
---|---|---|
Cognitive Function | Exceptional memory, comparable to those 2-3 decades younger. | Standard age-related memory and cognitive decline is expected. |
Brain Volume Loss | Significantly slower rate of cortical shrinkage. | Faster rate of cortical thinning, impacting memory and function. |
Cortical Thickness | Thicker cortex and anterior cingulate cortex than peers and even younger adults. | Progressive cortical thinning over time. |
Specialized Neurons | Higher density of von Economo and larger entorhinal neurons. | Lower density of these specialized neurons compared to SuperAgers. |
Lifestyle | Tend to be highly sociable, mentally stimulated, and physically active, though not always exceptionally so. | Varies widely, but sedentary habits and social isolation are more common risk factors. |
Resilience to Pathology | Some show resilience to age-related pathologies like tau tangles. | Higher prevalence of neuropathological markers associated with cognitive decline. |
Conclusion
The study of SuperAgers offers a revolutionary perspective on aging, proving that significant cognitive decline is not an inevitability. By investigating the biological and behavioral traits of this remarkable group, researchers hope to uncover strategies that can be applied more broadly to promote cognitive resilience in the general population. While genetics likely provide a baseline advantage, the shared lifestyle factors—including an active social life, continuous mental stimulation, and physical movement—offer modifiable avenues for everyone to pursue a sharper mind and a more fulfilling life as they age. The ongoing research into SuperAgers, especially the brain donation programs at institutions like Northwestern University, continues to illuminate the path toward healthier, more vibrant aging.
More resources
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease: https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/