While most of us accept that memory fades with age, new research into so-called “SuperAgers” is challenging that assumption. These remarkable individuals, all over the age of 80, exhibit memory performance on par with people decades younger. In fact, some 80-year-old brains function like those of 50-year-olds, according to findings from Northwestern University’s SuperAging Program. This discovery is not only reshaping how we understand cognitive aging, but also offering hope for preserving brain health well into later life. For those interested in topics like memory longevity, cognitive resilience, and healthy brain aging, this research is especially compelling.

Carol Siegler, an 82-year-old from Palatine, Illinois, is one such SuperAger. She exemplifies the cognitive vitality that defines this rare group. Siegler won her age category in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and has twice auditioned for “Jeopardy!”—a testament to her sharp mental acuity. According to Tamar Gefen, associate professor at Northwestern’s Mesulam Institute, Siegler is “still going strong” as she approaches her 90th birthday. Gefen, who has been studying SuperAgers for over two decades, shares that less than 10% of applicants to the program meet the stringent criteria. Participants must be over 80 and demonstrate episodic memory abilities comparable to individuals in their 50s and 60s.

One of the most striking behavioral traits among SuperAgers is their high level of social engagement. Gefen notes that these individuals tend to be deeply connected to their communities, valuing independence and autonomy. This is significant because social isolation is a known risk factor for dementia. Interestingly, lifestyle habits among SuperAgers vary widely. Some have chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes, and not all follow strict diets or exercise routines. One SuperAger reportedly drinks four beers every night. These anecdotes suggest that while lifestyle may play a role, other factors—possibly genetic or neurological—are equally important in preserving memory and attention.

What sets SuperAger brains apart structurally is equally fascinating. Studies have revealed that the cingulate cortex, a region associated with attention and motivation, is thicker in SuperAgers than even in people decades younger. This could explain their ability to stay focused and mentally engaged. In the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, SuperAgers have been found to possess three times fewer tau tangles—abnormal protein formations linked to Alzheimer’s disease—compared to their age-matched peers.

I found this detail particularly striking: the entorhinal cortex, which connects directly to the hippocampus and is crucial for memory and learning, contains unusually large and healthy neurons in SuperAgers. In fact, these neurons are larger than those found in some individuals in their 30s. This suggests a level of structural integrity that may be key to understanding how certain brains resist the typical effects of aging. Gefen describes these neurons as “humongous, plump, intact, beautiful, gigantic”—an evocative description that underscores the uniqueness of these brain cells.

Further research into the inflammatory response of the SuperAger brain has also yielded promising insights. Microglia, the brain’s immune cells, become activated in response to disease or injury. In many age-related neurodegenerative diseases, these cells can become overly active, leading to damaging inflammation. However, in SuperAgers, microglia are less activated, with levels comparable to individuals in their 30s to 50s. This could indicate a more efficient or adaptable immune response within the brain, possibly contributing to reduced cellular damage and better cognitive outcomes.

Genetics, as one might expect, also play a role. Gefen emphasizes that it’s not simply a matter of having or lacking certain genes. Rather, it’s about gene expression—how internal and external environments interact to influence whether a gene is “turned on.” This area of research, known as epigenetics, is opening new avenues for understanding not only cognitive longevity but also the mechanics of cell repair and resilience. The team at Northwestern is now examining candidate genes linked to longevity, cognitive reserve, and cellular health.

Despite these promising findings, Gefen cautions against expecting a single solution to Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline. The path forward will likely involve a combination of strategies tailored to individual needs—a kind of personalized “cocktail” for prevention or treatment. While this may take time, the research into SuperAgers is already offering a richer understanding of how some people maintain exceptional mental clarity well into their 80s and beyond.

For now, the story of SuperAgers like Carol Siegler offers both inspiration and a scientific roadmap. Whether it’s their social connectedness, unique brain structures, or adaptable immune responses, these individuals demonstrate that cognitive aging is not a one-size-fits-all process. As research deepens, we may uncover ways to help more people preserve their memory and mental sharpness for longer, improving quality of life across the aging spectrum.

Read more at cnn.com