Who are “SuperAgers”? The American National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that a certain category of people aged 80–90 years maintain excellent memory skills and other cognitive functions. These individuals are defined as “cognitively superaged.” Research groups from Northwestern and Boston Universities are studying the factors that allow this group to maintain mental performance at the level of middle-aged people. Their projects involve volunteers over 80 years old who live independently and demonstrate high memory test results. When compared with their peers, it was found that “superagers” have a greater cerebral cortex thickness than is typical for their age. According to a publication in JAMA, the authors analyzed changes over eighteen months and recorded that the reduction in the thickness of the cerebral cortex occurs more slowly in “superagers” than in participants from the control group. These observations indicate that in some individuals, changes in brain structure proceed more smoothly, which ensures longer resistance to age-related pathologies. Scientists continue to analyze in detail the lifestyles, habits, and health status of “superagers” to identify the specific factors providing such a long-term protective effect. The Role of Stem Cells in the Hypothalamus A study conducted by specialists from Albert Einstein College of Medicine demonstrates that stem cells located in the hypothalamus can influence the rate of organismal aging. With age, the number of these cells decreases, which affects the function of the brain and other body systems. In the experiment, these cells were administered to aged mice, after which a slowing of the aging rate was recorded. Although these results have only been confirmed in animals so far, they help clarify mechanisms that can contribute to maintaining brain health. Debunking Three Common Misconceptions About the Brain Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease An article in the Journal of Neurological Sciences describes a technique in which artificial intelligence algorithms analyze MRI data to identify markers of accelerated brain aging. This method could potentially become a tool for the timely detection of the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, although the technology still requires further refinement. Specialists from the University of Nottingham compared brain scans of people taken before the pandemic and after it and identified signs of accelerated aging even in those who had not had COVID-19. According to the authors, stressors and prolonged isolation may have affected the brain. This emphasizes that age-related changes can be accelerated not only by biological causes but also by external circumstances. Right or Left: Which Brain Hemisphere Dominates How to Strengthen the Brain Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic highlight five key practices that help slow the degradation of brain function and minimize the likelihood of developing dementia. These recommendations are relevant for people of all ages. Maintain Regular Physical Activity Movement positively affects the condition of blood vessels, helps control blood pressure and glucose levels, and promotes the production of substances that stabilize neuronal function. According to a study published in the journal Neurology, physically active people experience less decline in memory and cognitive function. Doctors recommend dedicating 150 minutes per week to moderate exercise. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing are suitable. Offer Your Brain New Intellectual Challenges Acquiring previously unknown skills stimulates the formation of new neural connections and strengthens existing ones. This could be learning a complex culinary recipe, mastering a musical instrument, taking an educational course on a topic of interest, or any other task requiring concentration and active thinking. Although solving crosswords is beneficial, it is preferable to combine different types of mental activity. Choose Brain-Healthy Foods A diet rich in vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts, and fish reduces the risk of memory problems. The principles of the MIND diet, which combines Mediterranean and DASH approaches, are well-studied. In a large-scale study published in JAMA Psychiatry, people following the MIND diet had a 17% lower incidence of dementia compared to those following a different eating pattern. Excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and saturated fats increases the load on brain cells and accelerates their damage. Maintain Social Activity Active communication is as effective a workout for the brain as intellectual exercises. In conversation, a person is forced to evaluate information, interpret emotions, and respond appropriately. This requires the coordinated work of several brain areas. Conversely, isolation increases the risk of cognitive impairment, so doctors advise maintaining contact with loved ones, preserving friendships, or joining special interest groups. Monitor Sleep Quality During nighttime rest, the brain regenerates cells, removes harmful molecular waste, and restores energy reserves. Most adults require 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Studies show that sleeping less than five hours a night doubles the risk of developing dementia. Control Chronic Diseases Hypertension, excess weight, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and hearing loss can accelerate memory decline. Cleveland Clinic representatives emphasize that timely treatment of these conditions provides the brain with protection no less than physical exercise and a healthy diet. Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption reduces the burden on the vascular system and decreases the likelihood of neurodegenerative processes. The right ear perceives speech faster, and the appendix also performs certain functions—curious facts about the human body Summary The process of brain aging is inevitable for everyone, but the speed at which it occurs is individual. Scientific data suggests that a certain portion of people maintain mental clarity and memory into deep old age, with lifestyle playing a key role in this. Regular activity, following the MIND diet model, maintaining social contacts, adequate sleep, and controlling factors such as blood pressure, sugar, and other chronic conditions help maintain brain function and reduce the risk of dementia. These measures will not eliminate aging itself, but they contribute to preserving cognitive resilience for many years.
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