Spanish Study Finds Lifestyle Factors That Contribute to “SuperAgers” With Sharper Brains

A new study conducted in Spain has found key lifestyle differences that may contribute to the sharp minds of “SuperAgers”, individuals in their 80s with brains as sharp as those 30 years younger. Researchers discovered that SuperAgers had more gray matter in areas of the brain related to movement and scored higher on agility, balance, and mobility tests compared to typical older adults, despite engaging in similar levels of physical activity. The study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, followed 64 SuperAgers and 55 cognitively normal older adults. SuperAgers also reported lower levels of depression and anxiety, factors known to increase the risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, they claimed to have been more active in midlife, had adequate sleep, and were independent in their daily living. Poor sleep is a known risk factor for cognitive decline. The findings suggest that being physically active has direct and indirect benefits such as lower blood pressure, reduced obesity levels, and improved blood flow to the brain, all of which may contribute to improved cognitive abilities in old age. Experts believe that the study’s results provide encouragement for individuals in their 30s and 40s to incorporate more exercise, stress reduction techniques, and healthy habits to improve long-term brain health. SuperAgers’ brains remain thicker and shrink more slowly compared to those in their 50s and 60s. To qualify as a SuperAger, an individual must be over 80 and have memory as good or better than cognitively normal individuals in their 50s and 60s. They must also exhibit average performance on other cognitive tests, excluding intelligence as the sole explanation for their abilities. SuperAgers share certain traits, including a positive outlook, daily brain challenges, continued work, social engagement, and physical activity. Brain scans conducted as part of the Spanish study revealed that SuperAgers had greater gray matter volume in areas associated with cognitive functioning, spatial memory, and overall memory compared to typical older adults. Interestingly, SuperAgers were just as likely to have the same levels of APOE genes, including APOE4, which is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, as normally aging adults. However, SuperAgers were found to perform better on various measures regardless of blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. This implies that protective factors, such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and a positive emotional outlook, may help keep the minds of SuperAgers sharp. The study’s findings suggest the need for further research into understanding the protective mechanisms that can minimize the risk of age-related cognitive decline and brain changes.