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3w ago

Distinct Neuroprotective Biomarkers Underpin Exceptional Cognition in SuperAgers

Published this week in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the 25-year SuperAger study illuminates brain signatures that could inform strategies to prevent cognitive decline

Image
Image depicts neurons from the brain of a 90-year-old female SuperAger. Neurons are from the 2nd cellular layer (layer II) of the entorhinal cortex, a brain region that is crucial for memory and among the first regions to develop Alzheimer’s disease pathologic changes. Nassif et al. (2022) found that layer II entorhinal cortex neurons are significantly larger in SuperAgers compared to same-aged peers and, surprisingly, younger individuals; these large neurons may underly the exceptional memory abilities found in SuperAgers.
Tamar Gefen holds a younger brain that is used for comparison with brain tissue of SuperAgers.
Superager Carol Seigler is shown four years ago, at 85, when this picture was taken.

Overview

  • Within a 25-year study of 290 SuperAgers, analysis of 77 donated brains revealed preserved cholinergic cells, abundant von Economo neurons and enlarged entorhinal neurons
  • The research identifies two protective mechanisms—resistance to forming amyloid plaques and tau tangles and resilience against their damaging effects
  • SuperAgers’ brains retain youthful cortical thickness, notably in the anterior cingulate cortex, surpassing that of adults decades younger
  • Neuropathology also showed reduced inflammatory microglia and significantly fewer neurofibrillary tangles in crucial neuronal populations
  • The findings outline a blueprint for interventions designed to emulate SuperAger neurobiology and prevent or delay dementia