Scientists Study ‘SuperAgers,’ Make Surprising Alzheimer’s Discovery
Summary
Scientists studied people in their 80s and 90s with very sharp memories, called "SuperAgers," and found that their strong memory is not linked to inherited genes that affect Alzheimer's risk. This means that other factors besides genetics likely help protect memory and brain health in older age.Key Facts
- The study included 231 adults aged 80 or older; 142 were SuperAgers with memory like people decades younger.
- Researchers looked at the APOE gene and other genetic risk scores linked to Alzheimer's disease.
- Both SuperAgers and average-memory participants had similar genetic risks for Alzheimer’s.
- No rare protective genetic variants were found to explain SuperAgers’ memory.
- The study suggests genes related to Alzheimer’s risk do not predict who will have exceptional memory.
- Brain structure, protein levels, and lifestyle (education, exercise, social life) may influence memory health.
- The study was small and did not consider lifestyle or blood vessel health, which may affect results.
- Future research will include brain imaging, blood tests, genetics, immune system studies, sleep, and social factors.
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