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SuperAgers' Brains Double Young Neuron Growth
25 Feb
Summary
- SuperAgers' brains produce more young neurons than younger adults.
- These brains show enhanced neurogenesis and plasticity.
- Specific brain cells nurture youthful neurons in SuperAgers.
New research reveals that individuals over 80 with superior cognitive function, dubbed "SuperAgers," possess brains that generate twice the number of young neurons compared to their healthier, younger counterparts. This suggests a remarkable regenerative capacity within the aging brain.
Scientists discovered that SuperAgers' brains exhibit enhanced neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons, and greater brain plasticity. Their hippocampus, crucial for memory, contains a more robust environment that nourishes these developing neurons, akin to a sapling thriving in fertile soil.
Further analysis of SuperAger brain tissue showed a thicker cingulate cortex and significantly fewer tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Their entorhinal cortex neurons were not only larger than those in younger individuals but also structurally sturdier, embedded in this supportive hippocampal ecosystem.
Utilizing advanced multiomic single-cell sequencing, researchers identified astrocytes and CA1 neurons as key players in memory retention among SuperAgers. These cells actively boost synaptic signaling, contributing to the coordinated and enriched environment that supports exceptional cognitive function in advanced age.
