Scientists discover a key to staying mentally sharp in old age
A fascinating new study from researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine has uncovered something remarkable: some people in their 80s and 90s — known as SuperAgers — have brains that look and function decades younger.
Even more surprising? Their brains produce twice as many young neurons as cognitally healthy older adults—and far more than people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Let’s break down what this means for you and your brain health.
What Are “SuperAgers”?
A SuperAger is someone over the age of 80 who performs as well as — or better than — people in their 50s or 60s on memory tests.
According to research led by Dr. Tamar Gefen at Northwestern’s Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, these individuals show:
- Exceptional episodic memory (recalling events and experiences)
- Strong attention and motivation
- Cognitive performance similar to much younger adults
- High social engagement and mental activity
Importantly, SuperAgers do not necessarily have higher IQs. Their advantage lies in how their brains age — not in baseline intelligence.
What Did Scientists Discover?
The new study, published in Nature (February 2026), used advanced multiomic single-cell sequencing to analyze donated brain tissue.
Here’s what researchers found:
1 More Young Neurons (Neurogenesis)
SuperAgers produce:
- 2x more young neurons than cognitively normal older adults
- 2.5x more than people with Alzheimer’s disease
- Even more than some adults in their 30s and 40s
This process is called neurogenesis—the birth of new brain cells.
Featured Snippet Answer:
Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain, helping maintain memory, learning ability, and cognitive flexibility.
For years, scientists believed the adult brain couldn’t grow new cells. This research challenges that idea.
2 A Stronger Hippocampus
The hippocampus—the brain’s memory center—plays a central role.
SuperAgers show:
- Fewer tau tangles (a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease)
- More supportive brain cells (astrocytes)
- Stronger CA1 neurons, which help consolidate memories
The hippocampus in SuperAgers acts like nutrient-rich soil — creating an ecosystem where young neurons can thrive.
3 Thicker Cingulate Cortex
Another key region — the cingulate cortex — responsible for:
- Attention
- Motivation
- Cognitive engagement
is thicker in SuperAgers than even people in their 50s and 60s.
That structural integrity may help explain their mental resilience.
Do SuperAgers Have “Better” Genes?
Possibly.
But genetics may not be the whole story.
Dr. Richard Isaacson from the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (not involved in the study) notes that lifestyle choices can also stimulate brain growth and reduce Alzheimer’s markers like:
- Tau tangles
- Amyloid plaques
MRI studies now show that brain-healthy behaviors can physically grow parts of the brain—including the hippocampus.
What Habits Do SuperAgers Share?
While some SuperAgers have heart disease or diabetes, many share these traits:
Stay socially active
Continue learning new things
Read regularly
Volunteer
Maintain a positive outlook
Stay mentally challenged
Interestingly, not all SuperAgers follow perfect diets or exercise routines — suggesting brain resilience may involve deeper biological mechanisms.
Why This Discovery Matters
This research is groundbreaking because it proves:
- The aging brain can regenerate
- Neurogenesis continues into advanced age
- Cognitive decline is not inevitable
- Brain plasticity can be preserved
Featured Snippet Answer:
Can the brain grow new cells in old age?
Yes. New research shows that even people in their 80s and 90s can generate new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, supporting memory and cognitive resilience.
The Bigger Picture: Brain Plasticity
Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt, repair, and reorganize itself.
SuperAgers appear to maintain:
- Higher neuronal excitability
- Better synaptic signaling
- A nurturing cellular environment
Their brains are not just surviving aging—they’re actively adapting.
What This Means for You
You may not be a genetically defined SuperAger — but the science is encouraging.
Evidence suggests you can support brain health by:
- Exercising regularly
- Managing blood pressure and vascular risk
- Reducing chronic stress
- Prioritizing sleep
- Staying socially connected
- Learning new skills
Even small daily habits can influence long-term cognitive resilience.
Conclusively
For decades, aging was seen as a slow, unavoidable decline in brain power. This new research from Northwestern University changes that narrative.
The brain is not a static organ.
It can regenerate.
It can adapt.
It can stay sharp—even into your 80s and 90s.
And that may be the most hopeful discovery of all.
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