The “superagers,” monitored by the Northwestern University team since 2000, are people over 80 years old with memory scores equivalent to those 30 years younger.
To be classified as a “superager,” one must, among other things, remember at least nine words from a list 15 to 30 minutes later.
What distinguishes these “superagers” isn’t a fake miracle diet or a drastic exercise routine, but simply a personality trait: sociability. Strong family ties, a well-maintained network of friends, and community life and volunteer activities are part of their daily lives.
Scientists point out that they share a desire for connection and autonomy, willingly forming new relationships and tenaciously maintaining their social lives.
Autopsies and brain scans show that their anterior cortex remains surprisingly thick, often thicker than in much younger adults. This area of the brain, involved in emotion, motivation, and social interaction, is home to a high concentration of von Economo neurons in “superagers,” which are linked to social behaviour and cognitive resilience. Some even have the typical lesions of Alzheimer’s disease, without showing cognitive decline—suggesting exceptional resilience.
“Superagers” fall into two categories: those who resist the development of toxic proteins (resistance) and those who limit the impact of these lesions on their cognition (resilience). Their cholinergic system, essential for memory and attention, also remains more intact; the breakdown of acetylcholine is slower, promoting efficient neuronal communication, the scientists explain.
In short, these seniors prove that age is not a fatality for memory and that the richness of social bonds, sociability and tenacity are the true pillars of a brain of steel.
Common Habits of SuperAgers
- An active lifestyle
Staying active is one of the best things you can do as you age. Even exercising twice a week will help lower your chances of getting the disease later in life. Physical activity results in increased oxygen intake, which helps your body perform optimally. Exercise helps your heart, and muscle-strengthening exercises specifically reduce the risk for falls.
Regular exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight. The risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease triples in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30.
- Continuing to challenge themselves
Mental activity can be just as important as physical activity. If Sudoku doesn’t speak to you, no need to fret. Mental activity comes in many forms. Try reading an article on a subject with which you’re unfamiliar, or take classes that put you outside your comfort zone. These will help stimulate and engage the brain in new ways.
- Social butterflies
SuperAgers tend to report strong social relationships with others, says Dr. Lindquist. To support this, the attention region deep in the brain is larger in SuperAgers. This region is packed with large, spindly neurons called von Economo neurons, which are thought to play a role in social processing and awareness. Northwestern Medicine Geriatrician Lee A. Lindquist, MD, states that autopsies on SuperAgers revealed they have more than four to five times the number of such neurons compared to the average person in their 80s.
“While we can’t guarantee that you’ll never get Alzheimer’s disease if you have a strong social network, it’s an important part of the lifestyle decisions we can make — like diet and exercise — that can contribute to living better, longer,” says Dr. Lindquist.
- SuperAgers indulge
Dr Lindquist says SuperAgers span individuals who are fitness buffs and those who indulge in a nightcap every evening. They also indulged in an occasional glass of alcohol; people who drink moderately were 23% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or signs of memory problems than those who don’t drink alcohol.
The key here is moderation. It’s equally important to note that drinking more than the recommended amount would be considered a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Risks You Can’t Control
While studying SuperAgers can lead to suggested lifestyle changes, it’s important to know that some dementia risk factors cannot be changed. Risks you cannot control include:
Age: For most, symptoms tend to appear after the age of 65, and the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.
Family history: Those with a relative who has or had Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to develop the disease. Those with more than one family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have an even higher risk.
Gender: Women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, and the odds increase after menopause. The reasons for this remain an active area of research.
Learn more about what Northwestern Medicine researchers are discovering about ageing.