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What is a SuperAger? Unlocking the Secrets of Exceptional Aging

4 min read

According to research initiated at Northwestern University, as few as 10% of older adults meet the criteria to be considered SuperAgers. So, what is a SuperAger? This term defines individuals aged 80 and older who maintain exceptional memory and cognitive skills, comparable to those of people 20 to 30 years younger, defying typical age-related decline.

Quick Summary

A SuperAger is an adult over 80 who exhibits superior memory and cognitive function relative to their peers. Research shows these individuals possess distinct brain characteristics, including slower shrinkage and a higher density of certain neurons, alongside shared lifestyle factors such as robust social engagement, mental stimulation, and physical activity.

Key Points

  • Definition: A SuperAger is an adult over 80 who maintains memory and cognitive skills comparable to someone 20 to 30 years younger.

  • Unique Brain Traits: SuperAgers' brains shrink at a much slower rate and have a thicker cortex than their peers, along with a higher density of certain neurons.

  • Key Neurons: They possess a higher concentration of von Economo neurons (linked to social behavior) and larger entorhinal neurons (critical for memory).

  • Sociability: Strong social relationships and active social engagement are consistently observed lifestyle traits among SuperAgers.

  • Mental and Physical Activity: Continuous mental challenges and a physically active lifestyle, even if moderate, are associated with the SuperAging phenomenon.

  • Resilience: SuperAgers often display exceptional resilience, persevering through life's hardships with a positive and proactive mindset.

  • Inspiring Research: The study of SuperAgers offers valuable insights into delaying or preventing age-related cognitive decline, showing that sharp cognition is possible in later years.

In This Article

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'SuperAger' was coined by researchers at Northwestern University's Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, with research beginning in the early 2000s.

No, some SuperAger brains have been found to contain neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's, such as amyloid plaques. However, their brains often show a remarkable resilience that prevents this pathology from affecting their cognitive function.

While there is no guaranteed method to become a SuperAger, adopting lifestyle habits common among them—including mental stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement—can significantly boost your cognitive health and well-being as you age.

No, research has shown that SuperAgers generally have similar educational levels and IQs to their peers. Their cognitive advantage appears to stem from specific brain structures and functions rather than superior baseline intelligence.

SuperAgers typically perform exceptionally well on memory tests like the delayed word recall test, scoring at a level comparable to individuals in their 50s and 60s.

Genetics likely play a part, as researchers are investigating protective genes that SuperAgers may harbor. However, genetics do not fully explain the phenomenon, and many SuperAgers share similar genetic risk profiles for Alzheimer's as their peers.

There is no single SuperAger diet, but a healthy, balanced diet rich in unprocessed foods, similar to the MIND or Mediterranean diet, is often linked to better brain health. Some SuperAgers indulge in moderation, while others follow very healthy diets.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.