Summary
Scientists have discovered that people over 80 who stay mentally sharp, called "super agers," have genetic differences that help protect against Alzheimer's disease. These individuals are less likely to have a gene that increases Alzheimer's risk and more likely to have one that offers protection.
Key Facts
- Super agers maintain strong memory and thinking skills well into their 80s and beyond.
- Researchers found that super agers are less likely to have a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's called APOE-ε4.
- These individuals are more likely to carry a protective gene variant known as APOE-ε2.
- Super agers are 68% less likely to have APOE-ε4 than people over 80 with Alzheimer's.
- They are 19% less likely to have the high-risk gene compared to cognitively normal people the same age.
- This study involved 18,080 participants from eight national aging studies and included over 1,600 super agers.
- The research suggests that understanding super agers may help develop prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's.
