The 80-Year-Olds With 50-Year-Old Memory: What They’re Doing Differently by mindbodygreen

 Have your competent? doctor DETAIL EXACTLY IN A PROTOCOL how to benefit from this!

I've got massive social connections and I've always considered myself an introvert and quite shy. Not anymore. 

The 80-Year-Olds With 50-Year-Old Memory: What They’re Doing Differently

 In the past decade, our understanding of cognitive decline has profoundly shifted. We once thought that brain aging was inevitable—we all marched towards our fate, predetermined by genetics, with decline seen as a natural and unavoidable endpoint. But, of course, individuals have always defied these expectations. They remained remarkably sharp late into life, often performing on memory tests at the level of people 30 years younger. They’ve long fascinated researchers. For the past 25 years, researchers at Northwestern University have been studying a group of these remarkable individuals, known as SuperAgers, to understand what sets their brains apart. Now, a landmark study from the program reveals two distinct pathways to exceptional cognitive aging—and one lifestyle factor that nearly all SuperAgers share.

The 25-year-long research that has made this all possible

 The term "SuperAger" was coined by Northwestern's Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease in 2008 to describe adults 80 and older who maintain memory performance on par with people in their 50s and 60s. Since 2000, the SuperAging Research Program has followed 290 participants, tracking their cognitive function over time. To qualify as a SuperAger, participants must score at least 9 out of 15 on a delayed word recall test—a threshold typically seen in people decades younger. What makes this research so significant is the brain donation component. Of the 290 participants, 77 have donated their brains for postmortem analysis, giving researchers an unprecedented window into the biological mechanisms behind exceptional aging. This kind of long-term, brain-based research is incredibly rare—and essential. It allows scientists to connect real-life cognitive performance with what’s physically happening in the brain, offering one of the clearest pictures yet of how memory can be preserved over decades. 

What this study found

 We know from previous research that some brains collect and accumulate damaging proteins, resulting in impaired cognitive function and sometimes later leading to Alzheimer's or Dementia. However, we also know (quite surprisingly) accumulation of these proteins don’t always lead to a diseased brain. The SuperAging Research Program has been studying this exact distinction, trying to understand why some brains decline while others don’t. The study, recently published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, outlined the two distinct pathways to maintaining sharp memory. The first is resistance—these SuperAgers naturally avoided the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. Their brains showed minimal accumulation of these harmful deposits, making them naturally less susceptible to cognitive decline. But the second pathway is resilience. Some SuperAgers had significant plaque and tangle buildup—levels that would typically cause cognitive decline—yet their memory remained intact. Their brains somehow tolerated the damage without losing function. Researchers also identified unique structural features in SuperAger brains: a thicker anterior cingulate cortex¹(a region tied to attention and decision-making), morevon Economo neurons (specialized cells linked to social cognition), andlarger neurons in the entorhinal cortex (a memory hub that's often the first area affected by Alzheimer's). 

Why resilience may matter more than resistance

 This finding reframes how we think about brain aging. You don't need a "perfect" brain to maintain exceptional memory—some SuperAgers had Alzheimer's-level pathology but showed no symptoms. The resilience pathway suggests that the brain's ability to compensate for damage may be just as important as preventing it in the first place.In the past decade, our understanding of cognitive decline has profoundly shifted. We once thought that brain aging was inevitable—we all marched towards our fate, predetermined by genetics, with decline seen as a natural and unavoidable endpoint. But, of course, individuals have always defied these expectations. They remained remarkably sharp late into life, often performing on memory tests at the level of people 30 years younger. They’ve long fascinated researchers. For the past 25 years, researchers at Northwestern University have been studying a group of these remarkable individuals, known as SuperAgers, to understand what sets their brains apart. Now, a landmark study from the program reveals two distinct pathways to exceptional cognitive aging—and one lifestyle factor that nearly all SuperAgers share. 

The 25-year-long research that has made this all possible

 The term "SuperAger" was coined by Northwestern's Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease in 2008 to describe adults 80 and older who maintain memory performance on par with people in their 50s and 60s. Since 2000, the SuperAging Research Program has followed 290 participants, tracking their cognitive function over time. To qualify as a SuperAger, participants must score at least 9 out of 15 on a delayed word recall test—a threshold typically seen in people decades younger. What makes this research so significant is the brain donation component. Of the 290 participants, 77 have donated their brains for postmortem analysis, giving researchers an unprecedented window into the biological mechanisms behind exceptional aging. This kind of long-term, brain-based research is incredibly rare—and essential. It allows scientists to connect real-life cognitive performance with what’s physically happening in the brain, offering one of the clearest pictures yet of how memory can be preserved over decades. 

What this study found

 We know from previous research that some brains collect and accumulate damaging proteins, resulting in impaired cognitive function and sometimes later leading to Alzheimer's or Dementia. However, we also know (quite surprisingly) accumulation of these proteins don’t always lead to a diseased brain. The SuperAging Research Program has been studying this exact distinction, trying to understand why some brains decline while others don’t. The study, recently published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, outlined the two distinct pathways to maintaining sharp memory. The first is resistance—these SuperAgers naturally avoided the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. Their brains showed minimal accumulation of these harmful deposits, making them naturally less susceptible to cognitive decline. But the second pathway is resilience. Some SuperAgers had significant plaque and tangle buildup—levels that would typically cause cognitive decline—yet their memory remained intact. Their brains somehow tolerated the damage without losing function. Researchers also identified unique structural features in SuperAger brains: a thicker anterior cingulate cortex¹  (a region tied to attention and decision-making), more von Economo neurons(specialized cells linked to social cognition), and larger neurons in the entorhinal cortex (a memory hub that's often the first area affected by Alzheimer's). 

Why resilience may matter more than resistance

 This finding reframes how we think about brain aging. You don't need a "perfect" brain to maintain exceptional memory—some SuperAgers had Alzheimer's-level pathology but showed no symptoms. The resilience pathway suggests that the brain's ability to compensate for damage may be just as important as preventing it in the first place.For researchers, this opens new avenues for intervention. Rather than focusing solely on preventing plaque buildup, future therapies might also target the brain's capacity to function despite it—zeroing in on some of the structural elements mentioned above.  

The lifestyle factor that linked nearly all SuperAgers

 When researchers looked at what SuperAgers had in common, one factor stood out: social connection. While their exercise habits, diets, and other lifestyle choices varied widely, most SuperAgers were highly social and maintained close, meaningful relationships throughout their lives.>This aligns with a growing body of research linking social engagement to cognitive health. Strong relationships may protect the brain by reducing chronic stress, promoting mental stimulation, and supporting emotional well-being. A few ways to prioritize connection for brain health:Nurture existing relationships:Regular check-ins with close friends or family (even brief phone calls!) strengthen bonds over time. Studies regularly show that experiencing love—like you have for partners, family and friends—improves brain function. Join a class, club, or volunteer group that aligns with your interests to expand your circle. Research has found that social activities like this not only improve long-term cognitive function, but boost mental health and physical activity. Engage in small talk with those in your direct community:We may think only deep, long-lasting relationships matter (and they do!) research also indicates that the brief interactions we have with folks day-to-day also plays a role. Think: the morning chatter you share with the barista on your coffee run, talking about weekend plans during checkout at the grocery store, or watercooler talk at work. 

The takeaway

This 25-year study reveals that exceptional memory in your 80s can happen through two pathways: resisting brain changes or being resilient to them. The common thread among SuperAgers isn't a perfect diet or exercise routine, but maintaining close social connections. In other words, brain longevity may be less about doing everything “right” and more about consistently investing in the relationships that keep you mentally and emotionally engaged. And how lovely is that?

So if you do one thing today after reading this article, I sincerely hope it's this: Make the phone call, schedule the coffee date, plan the girls trip: Prioritizing meaningful relationships may be one of the most powerful things you can do for long-term brain health. 

This Personality Type Has The Happiest Life

Extroversion and introversion refer to where someone gets their energy from. The difference between an extrovert and an introvert is extroverts are energized through socialization and collaboration, whereas introverts receive energy from alone time or in social settings with much smaller groups.

I do both, at parties I am the one cracking jokes and rejoinders. But I recharge with alone time and have no problems being alone. I'm the happiest I've ever been, all because of my stroke.

My story; I would still be leading a life of quiet desperation.

Why my stroke was the best thing to ever happen to me

The latest here:

This Personality Type Has The Happiest Life

People who are extraverts typically have the happiest lives, research finds.

One reason is that extraverts are likely to remember their past more positively.

Extraverts tend to be energetic and chatty, seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses.

It turns out that introverts are also happier if they can look back on more positive memories.

Neurotic people, though, have a tendency to focus on negative events in their past.

Naturally, this makes them feel less happy in general.

Those with neurotic tendencies can counter this by reframing negative memories and making an effort to focus on positive events.

Dr Ryan Howell, the study’s first author, explained:

“We found that highly extraverted people are happier with their lives because they tend to hold a positive, nostalgic view of the past and are less likely to have negative thoughts and regrets.

People high on the neurotic scale essentially have the exact opposite view of the past and are less happy as a result.”

The study asked people about their satisfaction with life, personality and time perspective.

Time perspective refers to whether a person orients themselves towards the past, present or future.

The results showed that people who were happiest tended to remember the positive aspects of the past and live in the moment.

Dr Howell said:

“We found that personality traits influence how people look at the past, present and future and it is these different perspectives on time which drive a person’s happiness.

This is good news because although it may be difficult to change your personality, you may be able to alter your view of time and boost your happiness, for example by savoring happy memories or reframing painful past experiences in a positive light.”

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The study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences (Zhang & Howell, 2011).

Further Evidence That Acting Like An Extravert Can Boost Wellbeing

How many decades before your doctor informs you of this and has a protocol for you to accomplish this? I used to consider myself a complete introvert, moving to Michigan knowing absolutely no one required me to put myself out there and be open to any overture. Now I'm considered the life of the party and usually close it down. 

Further Evidence That Acting Like An Extravert Can Boost Wellbeing 

By Matthew Warren
Researchers have long known that people who are more extraverted tend to be happier, leading some to suggest that encouraging extraverted behaviour could improve wellbeing. Last year we reported on the first trial of such an intervention, which found that acting like an extravert for a week led to an increase in positive emotions in certain people. Now a second study appears to have replicated that result — and shown that behaving like an introvert may also reduce wellbeing.

In the new study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Seth Margolis and Sonja Lyubomirsky at the University of California, Riverside, asked 131 participants to alter their behaviour over a two week period to be more extraverted or introverted. For one week, participants were encouraged to act as “talkative”, “assertive” and “spontaneous” as possible; for the other, they were told to act “deliberate”, “quiet” and “reserved” (all participants completed both weeks, but half began with the extraverted week while the others began with with the introverted week). 
To encourage the participants to actually alter their behaviour, the researchers asked them to list five specific changes they planned on making, and then sent them periodic reminders of their task throughout the study.  At various points across the two weeks, the participants completed scales measuring their experience of positive and negative emotions and others aspects of wellbeing, as well as their personality traits.
Compared to baseline levels at the start of the study, participants experienced more positive emotions during the extraverted week — and also showed reduced positive emotions during the introverted week. Some other measures of wellbeing, such as feelings of connectedness and flow (the experience of being immersed in — and enjoying — an activity) were also boosted by acting extraverted and reduced by acting introverted.
However, these results didn’t hold for all measures of wellbeing. For instance, participants seemed to have reduced negative emotions compared to baseline during both interventions (although the exact pattern of results differed depending on whether participants began with the extraverted or introverted week).
The results add to the small, albeit growing, body of evidence that acting like an extravert can improve certain aspects of wellbeing — particularly measures of positive emotion. But the authors suggest that their biggest contribution is to show that acting like an introvert can also have an effect. “Given that introversion is generally not regarded as desirable or advantageous in U.S. culture … we believe our most compelling results are those showing that well-being decreases can be substantial when people act more introverted than usual,” they write.
Still, it seems too soon to suggest that we should we all begin behaving like extraverts. The study the Digest reported on last year found that people who had high trait levels of introversion didn’t report the same benefits of acting like an extravert as the rest of the participants, and actually became more fatigued and experienced more negative emotions. On the other hand, the new paper found that baseline levels of extraversion and introversion didn’t affect the results – but it’s still clear that researchers need a better understanding of how individual differences could influence the effectiveness of the intervention.
And it will also be important to figure out which behaviours are actually causing the increases or decreases in wellbeing reported in these studies. It’s not yet clear whether it was being more “talkative”, “assertive”, or “spontaneous” that resulted in an increase in wellbeing in the extraverted week, for instance, and the researchers suggest examining changes in a more specific sub-set of extraverted behaviours in the future. “We hope that research from our and others’ laboratories encourages future investigators to test the potential of behavioral interventions to spur both personality change and well-being gains,” they conclude.
– Experimental manipulation of extraverted and introverted behavior and its effects on well-being
Matthew Warren (@MattbWarren) is Editor of BPS Research Digest

Cerebral blood flow and personality: a positron emission tomography study

How is your doctor using this to get you recovered? Since I am an introvert I guess I blast more blood to my frontal lobes.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9989562

Johnson DL¹, Wiebe JS, Gold SM, Andreasen NC, Hichwa RD, Watkins GL, Boles Ponto LL.

Author information

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study sought to describe brain regions associated with the personality dimension of introversion/extraversion.

METHOD:

Measures of cerebral blood flow (CBF) were obtained from 18 healthy subjects by means of [150]H20 positron emission tomography. Correlations of regional CBF with introversion/extraversion were calculated, and a three-dimensional map of those correlations was generated.

RESULTS:

Overall, introversion was associated with increased blood flow in the frontal lobes and in the anterior thalamus. Regions in the anterior cingulate gyrus, the temporal lobes, and the posterior thalamus were found to be correlated with extraversion.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of the study lend support to the notion that introversion is associated with increased activity in frontal lobe regions. Moreover, the study suggests that individual differences in introversion and extraversion are related to differences in a fronto-striato-thalamic circuit.