Why some 80-year-olds think like they’re 60

Researchers have found rare brain cells in "superagers" that may hold the secret to exceptional memory.

 

Superagers: Why some 80-year-olds stay so sharp Some 80-year-olds perform on memory tests like people in their early 60s. Researchers at Northwestern University have spent 25 years studying these "superagers," and their brains reveal surprising differences, including an abundance of rare, relatively-unknown brain cells. Von Economo neurons, or spindle neurons, appear in unusually high numbers in superager brains. These specialized cells are concentrated in areas of the brain that control emotion and social cognition, in numbers that may even exceed levels found in younger adults. The anterior cingulate cortex, crucial for social networking, also shows remarkable thickness rather than thinning as is typical in older age. "We have thought that mental decline with aging is inevitable," said Kaushik Govindaraju, DO, from Medical Offices of Manhattan. "This research may push back against this in an unprecedented way." Intriguingly, superagers consistently rate their relationships more positively and describe themselves as notably sociable. Researchers still need to determine whether social engagement protects the brain, or if these enhanced neurons drive sociability. For more on the specific brain pathways that resist aging and what this means for preventing cognitive decline, jump to "What makes 'superager' brains more resistant to aging?" Also making headlines this week: 💊 Potassium-rich diet linked to lower depression risk 🦵 Making small changes to walking style can relieve osteoarthritis pain 💉 Experimental drug eliminates aggressive cancers in small trial We love to hear from you, so please email us if you have any feedback, comments, or questions about this weekend's Sunday Supplement. Stay informed and stay healthy! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today

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