There is a lack of information about people aged 90 or older who are able to maintain high levels of cognitive function. A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease sought to investigate the brains of people who live to be aged 90 or more and have superior cognitive skills (i.e. good memory and thinking ability). The researchers, from the University of California, analysed autopsy data from 102 individuals who died at a mean age of 97.6 years old and had normal levels of cognition. The study demonstrated that there was no significant association between brain changes reflective of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular issues, and superior cognition levels. On the other hand, the “oldest-old” superior cognitive performers were found to be less likely to exhibit brain changes associated with other neurogenerative diseases such as Lewy Body Disease. The study authors recommend that future research look at the factors that underlie such individuals' ability to resist the changes associated with non-AD neurodegeneration, as this may provide useful insights into how some people can maintain healthy cognition at very advanced ages. Read the full study, here: Superior Global Cognition in Oldest-Old Is Associated with Resistance to Neurodegenerative Pathologies: Results from The 90+ Study - IOS Press
