SuperAgers Live Longer
& Retain Better Memory Function
The Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at
Northwestern’s University Feinberg School of Medicine has been tracking a group
of older adults. They’ve found some of the group have remarkably better memory
skills than others. To the extent that their memory and recall is as good or
better than most people 20 or more years younger.
Northwestern has labeled those individuals “SuperAgers” and
has been busy trying to identify characteristics that might explain how they’ve
maintained their cognition.
Emily Rogalski, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences has led some of these research efforts. Here’s some of the
scientific findings:
·
SuperAgers had greater thickness of the anterior cingulate gyrus. Evolutionary
theory postulates that the anterior cingulate was one of the later evolutionary
developments. The anterior cingulate is involved in decision-making, ethics,
emotion, and perhaps self-control.
·
SuperAgers have a higher density of von Economo neurons. These specialized neurons are believed to send
high-speed messages to other parts of the brain. They are associated with
larger brains: along with humans, great apes, whales and elephants have von Eonomo
neurons.
In addition to the medical examination that observed the
physical brain differences, the Northwestern team administered standard
psychological well-being tests to the SuperAgers and a control group. The
SuperAgers had greater “high quality” positive social relationships, higher
levels of psychological well-being, were more extroverted and less neurotic.
Interestingly, and in contrast to some of the other research we’ve published,
SuperAgers weren’t necessarily more physically active and didn’t always eat a healthier
diet. Link to the research here.
Takeaway: social relationships are one of the most critical
factors in maintaining a big healthy brain. Work as hard on keeping close
friendships as you do on exercise.
Infographic
If you haven’t already received it or downloaded it, our
fun, informative and science-based 9 Simple Steps to a Bigger Brain is
available by signing up for our newsletter here.
In Case You Missed It
Last week we reported a study conducted by researchers at
the All
India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. The goal was to determine if a multi-phase
intervention could reduce the risk of heart failure. The participants did yoga
poses, pranayama breathing techniques, meditation, stress management and
relaxation along with individualized coaching on nutrition and other health
topics. After ten sessions over a two-week period, participants had significant
improvement. That is, they had measurably reduced their risk of cardiovascular
disease in the next decade in a mere
two weeks! Link to the research here.
Next Time
Another research team weighs in on the topic of alcohol
consumption and brain health. We will summarize the results of a very large
study.
Shameless Plug
We screwed up and
ordered too much of some of our fabulous, natural, made in the U.S. and phthalate-free
aromatherapy fragrances. Pick a fragrance, select one of our recycled-glass
diffuser bottles and pick your color diffuser reeds. Chose the perfect scent
for meditation, sleep, energizing the office, romance or just to make your home
smell great. Take advantage of our
mistake: one third off from our regular price. Enter AROMA at checkout. (Limited time offer).
Always trying to grow bigger brains.
Material from my upcoming book on brain health. Look for it!
Comments