Science Probes "SuperAgers"

 

Perhaps one of the scariest things we face as we age is the possibility of mental decline or even dementia. We can deal with almost anything so long as our mental state remains lucid, alert and healthy. Sure, some amount of mental decline seems inevitable as we age into our 80s and beyond. Our brains age just like the rest of us. We all hope to escape the worst of it but is there anything we can DO to improve our chances?

The answer, it turns out, is maybe.

The term "SuperAger" was coined by The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, which is located at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Their definition of a SuperAger is "adults over the age of 80 who have the memory capacity of individuals who are at least 3 decades younger."  Dr. Bradford Dickerson, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital and his colleagues have been studying superagers for several years. Their results suggest that embracing new mental challenges may be the key to preserving both brain tissue and brain function.

Additionally, SuperAgers show less brain volume loss than is typical for someone their age. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scientists measured the thickness of the cortex in 24 SuperAgers and 12 members of a control group. Normally aging adults lose roughly 2.24% in brain volume per year, but the SuperAgers lost around 1.06%. Because SuperAgers lose brain volume more slowly than their peers, they may be better protected from dementia.

That is great for them, of course. But are they just lucky or is there something the rest of us can do to slow the aging of our brains? Research shows that genetics and biology each play a role. And, fortunately, it appears that lifestyle does as well. And none of the habits associated with being a SuperAger will come as a surprise. 

An important factor in maintaining cognitive health is something known as neuroplasticity. The term refers to the structural changes to neural networks in the brain that are generated by the act of learning and retaining new things. That learning can take place on a physical, mental or emotional level.

Taking care of the physical body is also important. That means staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet. There is evidence linking ultra-processed foods to increased risk of cognitive decline, so limiting those makes sense. It is also important to manage diabetes, hypertension or high blood lipid levels. The good news is that no matter your stage in life, it is possible to reap benefits, both physical and cognitive, from these habits, activities and lifestyle choices.

You can read more about SuperAgers, and becoming one yourself, here.

Wishin' and hopin' and prayin' won't do it for you though. You actually have to invest the effort and take action.