Some individuals reach their 80s or 90s with memories as sharp as those of much younger adults. Scientists have been keen to understand why these so-called ‘SuperAgers’ maintain impressive cognitive abilities. Are they simply blessed with favorable genetics, or do other factors contribute to their exceptional memory?
Recent research from the Healthy Aging & Alzheimer’s Research Care (HAARC) Center at the University of Chicago and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has shed light on this question. The study examined whether SuperAgers differ genetically from peers with average cognition, especially concerning inherited Alzheimer’s risk genes.
Research Findings
The findings published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy reveal that SuperAgers and their peers cannot be differentiated based on genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, a physician and TED Health host, informed Newsweek about the study that evaluated 231 adults aged 80 and above, including 142 SuperAgers and 89 individuals with average memory functions.
Researchers focused on the APOE gene associated with Alzheimer’s risk, alongside polygenic risk scores that aggregate various genetic variants. The results showed negligible differences between the two groups regarding Alzheimer’s-related APOE variants and genetic risk scores.
“No obvious genetic advantage,” Ungerleider commented on the findings.
Additionally, the study explored genetic ancestry and rare genetic variants known to offer protection against Alzheimer’s. Once again, no significant differences emerged between the groups.
Genes Aren’t Always the Whole Story
The study indicates that while lower genetic risks for Alzheimer’s could benefit some individuals, such factors fail to fully account for exceptional memory in others. Ungerleider noted, “The genes linked to disease risk and the factors linked to outstanding memory may not be the same thing.”
Ana Capuano, study co-first author and biostatistics core director at the HAARC Center, emphasized that preserving cognitive health transcends mere Alzheimer’s risk reduction. The study suggests exploring biological, behavioral, and social factors that promote exceptional cognitive aging can enhance disease-focused approaches to brain health.
Other research has highlighted differences in brain structure, neural cells, and abnormal tau protein levels among SuperAgers. Lifestyle elements, such as education, physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connections, may also play influential roles.
Limitations and Future Directions
It is important to recognize the study’s limitations. Ungerleider cautioned that the research was relatively small for genetic studies and assessed participants at a single time point. Factors like lifestyle, behavior, and cardiovascular health were not considered, potentially leaving subtle genetic influences unexplored.
“Current Alzheimer’s genetic risk scores cannot predict who will become a SuperAger,” Ungerleider stated.
Future research plans to integrate cognitive assessments with brain imaging, blood biomarkers, genetics, immune profiling, sleep patterns, and social factors. Investigating these elements may yield greater insights into preserving memory in later life.
The study results convey hope that memory decline is not inevitable, with some individuals maintaining youthful memories well into their later years.
For additional information, Newsweek reached out to the study authors via the University of Chicago Medical Center.
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