CNN
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In the largest observational study on “” ever,super agerResearchers in Spain have found important lifestyle differences that may contribute to the sharp minds of seniors in their 80s, who are just as sharp as those 30 years younger.
The super-agers in the study had more gray matter in the parts of the brain associated with movement and showed similar performance in tests of agility, balance and mobility, even though both groups had similar levels of physical activity. Scored higher than the elderly.
Lead author Brian Strange, director of the Institute of Clinical Neurosciences at the Technical University of Madrid, said in a statement, “Very old people report activity levels similar to those of typical older people, but they are more active, such as gardening and climbing stairs. , may be doing more physically demanding activities.” .
“From lowering blood pressure and obesity levels to increasing blood flow to the brain, physical activity has many direct and indirect benefits that may contribute to improved cognitive performance in older adults.”
the study, published on thursday The Lancet Journal of Health and Longevity followed 64 super-aged and 55 cognitively normal older adults who were participating in the Vallecas Project, a long-term research project on Alzheimer’s disease in Madrid.
In a battery of tests, the study found that Spanish super-agers scored lower than typical older adults on levels of depression and anxiety.Known mental health problems such as depression Risk factor to develop dementia.
Superagers also told researchers that they were more active in middle age, were more satisfied with their sleep hours, and were more independent in their daily lives. Lack of sleep is major risk factors for cognitive decline.
“This study adds to what we already know: Super-aging is not just the ability to do well on cognitive tests,” said a professor of communication and computer science at Western University in London, Ontario. Assistant Professor Angela Roberts said in an email. . She was not involved in the research.
“This is associated with slower and less pronounced atrophy of the brain in areas important for memory and language, possibly slowing the age-related decline in walking and motor skills,” he said. Roberts, who is also the study’s principal investigator, said. Northwest Super Aging Research Programa clinical trial led by the Meshullam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.
Dr Joe Robertson, National Screening and Trial Coordinator for the Australian Dementia Network at the university, said the study hopes to improve health by incorporating more exercise, stress reduction and other healthy habits. Good news for people in their 30s and 40s who are Mail in Melbourne.
“Here it is important for middle-aged people to address the lifestyle factors known to influence physical fitness, reduce cardiovascular risk, optimize mental health, and provide appropriate care for mood disorders. It just means we need to diligently modify it to improve mood disorders that “contribute to long-term brain health,” said Robertson, who was also not involved in the study.
Most people’s brains shrink as they age. However, in Super Ager, the study I showed the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for thinking, decision-making, and memory. remains much thicker Shrinkage is slower than in the 50s and 60s.
To become a Super Ager, a term coined by the Northwestern Super Aging Program, you must be over the age of 80 and undergo extensive cognitive testing. Participation in the study is allowed if the person’s memory is at least as good as that of cognitively normal people in their 50s and 60s, but only 10% of applicants qualify.
“Super-Agers require excellent episodic memory, the ability to recall everyday events and past personal experiences, but Super-Agers need to perform at least averagely on other cognitive tests.” said Emily Rogalski, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychiatry and behavior.A scientist at the Feinberg School told In a previous interview with CNN.
“It’s important to point out when comparing super-agers to the average age group: they have similar levels of IQ, so the differences we’re seeing aren’t just due to intelligence.” , said Rogalski, who developed the Super Aging Project.
Experts who study superagers say they have similar characteristics. they tend to be positive. They challenge their brains by reading or learning something new every day. Many people continue to work well into their 80s.
Super-Agers are also gregarious, surrounded by family and friends, and often seen volunteering in their communities. And, as the study found, they remain physically active.
All Spanish study participants underwent brain scans, blood tests, and other lifestyle and cognitive assessments at study entry, and were retested annually for four years.
Brain scans show that superagers have more gray matter than typical older adults in areas of the brain responsible for cognitive function, spatial memory, and global memory. Moreover, some of the most striking changes in gray matter volume were seen not only in memory but also in areas of the brain associated with motor activity and locomotion.
Interestingly, in this study, superagers also showed the same level of APOE gene — including APOE4, a red flag risk for Alzheimer’s disease — usually similar to older adults. But the discovery is nothing new, experts say.
“Super-Agers perform better in a variety of metrics, including memory, fitness, speed, and mental health.” Regardless We looked at the levels of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in the blood,” said Robertson, a senior clinical neuropsychologist at Melbourne Health, Australia.
previous research found a genetic predisposition to the ability to remain mentally sharp into old age. Examination of the donated brains of Super Agers found larger, healthier cells in the entorhinal cortex, one of the first areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
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Proper lifestyle choices and genetics are likely the key to the brain’s resistance to aging, experts say, but more research is needed.
Super Ager’s brain had many other functions Von Economo Neuron, a rare type of brain cell thought to allow rapid communication throughout the brain. So far, corkscrew-like von Economo neurons have been used in humans, great apes, elephants, whales, dolphins, songbird.
“The story here is not just that[superagers]have a lower risk of developing dementia,” Roberts said. Instead, she said, they may have added protective factors, such as genetics and lifestyle, and even a positive emotional outlook, that help protect themselves when faced with these risk factors.
“This is an important reason to study Super Agers. Super Agers can help reduce or minimize the risk of age-related cognitive decline and changes in the brain by meeting the known risk factors for dementia.” “It could help us understand the protective mechanisms at work,” Roberts said.
