From Men's Health · Jocelyn Solis-Moreira · · 1m 10s
SuperAgers Have Brains Decades Younger
Scientists find SuperAgers' brains show twice the neurogenesis of older adults, boosting memory.
In brief
Scientists find SuperAgers' brains show twice the neurogenesis of older adults, boosting memory. SuperAgers, adults 80+, have twice the neurogenesis in the hippocampus compared to healthy older adults, improving memory. Originally reported by Men's Health.
Quick answers
- What Are SuperAgers?
- SuperAgers are adults 80 and over who have mental abilities similar to those of someone 20 to 30 years younger.
- What is the key takeaway from SuperAgers Have Brains Decades Younger?
- SuperAgers, adults 80+, have twice the neurogenesis in the hippocampus compared to healthy older adults, improving memory.
What Are SuperAgers?
SuperAgers are adults 80 and over who have mental abilities similar to those of someone 20 to 30 years younger.
Study Reveals Brain Changes
Scientists found SuperAgers have twice as many brain cells in the hippocampus compared to cognitively healthy adults.
Neurogenesis Boost
SuperAgers show greater proportions of neuroblasts and immature neurons close to becoming functional.
Key Brain Cells
Genes involved in neuronal function and survival stayed active in SuperAgers but turned off in Alzheimer's brains.
Study Author Insights
Orly Lazarov, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, says hippocampal neurogenesis is the secret ingredient.
How to Become a SuperAger
Activities that keep the hippocampus active and adaptable, like exercise and social engagement, could help preserve cognitive health as you age.
What Happens Next
Understanding how SuperAgers maintain neurogenesis may lead to strategies for more adults to preserve memory and cognitive health as they age.
In short
SuperAgers, adults 80+, have twice the neurogenesis in the hippocampus compared to healthy older adults, improving memory.
