Are you a SuperAger?

A pioneering program at the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, at Northwestern University, near Chicago, defines SuperAgers as adults aged 80 and older who exhibit memory performance comparable to people in their 50s or 60s.  

The university’s SuperAging Program has tracked nearly 300 participants since its inception in the late 1990s. 

Neuropsychological testing has revealed the existence of octogenarians with remarkable memory proficiency. For example, they can recall at least nine out of 15 words in delayed recall – a capacity commonly seen in younger adults. 

What makes SuperAger brains so extraordinary? Years of neurobiological investigation have revealed: 

• Slower brain atrophy. Their brains shrink at nearly half the rate of typical older adults. Notably, areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex are even thicker than those of younger people. 
• Resistance and resilience to pathology. Autopsies of 79 donated SuperAger brains revealed varied patterns. Some showed no amyloid or tau build-up – protein abnormalities associated with Alzheimer’s disease – while others did, yet without cognitive impairment. This suggests two protective mechanisms: resistance (avoiding pathology) and resilience (withstanding its effects). 
• Robust neural structure. SuperAgers possess larger entorhinal neurons (which connect to the hippocampus) and exhibit less inflammatory activity in their white matter, indicating structural advantages that support memory function.

Beyond biological factors, social and lifestyle elements are equally essential: 

• Strong social bonds. SuperAgers tend to be social, gregarious, and actively engaged. These connections tie closely to reduced brain inflammation, increased empathy, and enhanced cognitive health. 
• Active, cognitively stimulating lives. Many enjoy hobbies, exercise regularly, sleep well, read, and pursue lifelong learning. One 85‑year‑old in the study knits for charity, sings in a choir, meets regularly with a book club, and stays physically fit. 
• Positive mindset and purpose. Many SuperAgers cite determination, joie de vivre, and a sense of purpose as key motivators for maintaining sharp minds.  

Over 25 years, Northwestern’s SuperAging team’s research has redefined the ageing narrative. Their findings suggest that maintaining exceptional memory into old age is attainable and linked to a unique neurobiological profile shaped by lifestyle, genetics, and social engagement. 

Their resilience illuminates the interplay between mind, brain, and community, showing that getting older need not be synonymous with decline.

Related reading: Northwestern News, Newstarget, Science Alert, NBC