Super Agers

Brain Science:

Although it’s normal for brainpower to decline as people age, it’s not inevitable. Some people remain cognitively sharp into their 80s, 90s, and beyond. They defy the common assumption that cognitive decline is a natural part of aging.

These lucky few, called cognitive super agers, perform demonstrably better on memory tests, such as remembering past events or recalling lists of words, compared with other adults their age.

One of the most significant factors in the aging of the brain is “Atrophy”. It is the actual shrinking of the brain. A 90-year-old brain typically weighs 1,100 to 1,200 grams, and this is 100 or more grams less than the typical 40-year-old brain. Brain shrinkage mostly affects the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and the cerebral cortex, which is important for complex thought processes. Over time, the brain can also be affected by declining levels of neurotransmitters, changing hormones, deteriorating blood vessels, and impaired circulation of blood glucose.

In contrast, the brains of cognitive super agers seem to defy wear and tear compared to the average brain. Researchers have, they think, identified a “brain signature” for cognitive super agers.  Researchers who have conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have discovered that the cingulated cortex, a brain region considered important for the integration of information related to memory, attention, cognitive control, and motivation is thicker in super agers than in their same-age peers and showed no atrophy compared with the same brain region of the middle agers. In fact, a specific region of the anterior cingulate cortex was significantly thicker in the brains of cognitive super agers than in middle agers’ brains. (Do you remember that the cortex is the outer part of the brain?)

In another study, the Northwestern University researchers have found that super agers’ brains contained a much higher density of a particular type of cell called Von Economo neurons, which are linked to several sets of cognitive abilities in humans including social intelligence and awareness. In fact, super agers brains had more of these neurons than even the brains of younger adults.

In a third investigation, the Northwestern researchers used the MRI to measure brain volume over an 18-month period in a small group of study participants aged 80 and older. They measured a 2.24% average annual volume loss in the cognitively normal adults versus a 1.06% loss in the super agers. In short, the super agers’ brains shrunk at a significantly slower rate.

Brain Facts:

Researchers are exploring several theories to explain why some people’s cognitive abilities stay intact to the end of life. Perhaps they start out in life with larger, stronger brains. Or perhaps their brains somehow change to compensate for aging's damaging effects. Another theory being investigated is whether super ager brains naturally have stronger defenses against the assaults of aging.

A person’s environment may be a factor. Human and animal studies by NIA-supported scientists have contributed to the growing body of evidence that enriching experiences, such as advanced education and mind-challenging occupations, can help brains last longer.

Other research focuses on genetic explanations. In an ongoing study of the Longevity Genes Project at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, investigators are comparing the genetic profiles of children of healthy centenarians with the genetic profiles of the children of parents who did not live as long. They are looking for genes that might support strong neural networks and offer protection against mental and physical decline.

Social factors also could play a role in healthy cognitive aging. Studies are showing cognitive super agers report more friends and family connections than their normative peers. This finding lines up with past research showing links between psychological well-being and lower risk of Alzheimer’s.

So What:

. What science is increasingly showing is that we can have a huge impact on our brains fate with simple lifestyle choices. I.E. super agers don’t act like old folks.

The following are ideas from the Harvard Medical School!

We know that intense mental activity preserves areas of the brain involved with memory and reasoning. The school in it’s publication on super agers suggest the following to increase your chance at being a super ager:

·         Embrace mental challenges: This can be as simple as carving ducks.

·         Increase your exercise capacity: Push your comfort level for exercise to from 20 to 40 minutes, 3 days per week.

·         Prepare to be frustrated: Push your brain to take on challenges you think are at your limit. Don’t worry, your brain won’t break. However, it might if you don’t challenge yourself.

·         Don’t let your age deter you. As long as you are physically up to the challenge, your years should not hold you back.

·         Get going with a group: You may find it is easier to challenge yourself if you are meeting challenges in the company of others.

Ann McGowan:

She started running at age 49 to cope with the death of her husband. She got back on track within months of a mastectomy to race in the 1991 National senior games, She’s run the 100 yard, 200 yard, and 400 yard dashes, and has competed in long jump, discus, hammer throw and javelin events. At 92 Ann McGowan is one of only eight athletes who have participated in every one of the National Senior Games since their inception in 1987!