A groundbreaking study has uncovered that “superagers,” individuals with extraordinary memory capabilities, possess brains that excel at generating new neurons. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting essential electrical signals throughout the body. It was during the 1980s that researchers first discovered adult human brains could produce new neurons through a phenomenon called neurogenesis.

Recently, American scientists examining donated brain tissues have identified that elderly individuals who maintain remarkable cognitive abilities beyond 80 years old exhibit a significantly enhanced capacity for neuron growth. In contrast, brain samples from individuals in the early stages of cognitive decline demonstrated limited neurogenesis, and those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease showed almost no new neuron production.

In the UK, approximately one million individuals are estimated to be living with dementia, and this number is expected to increase due to the nation’s aging population.

These findings, researchers believe, may pave the way for new targeted therapies aimed at preserving cognitive function.

Ahmed Disouky from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) expressed optimism, stating, “What’s encouraging for the public is that this study illustrates the aging brain is neither static nor inevitably headed for decline.

“Gaining insights into how some individuals naturally sustain neurogenesis could lead to strategies that enable more adults to retain memory and cognitive health as they grow older.”

Professor Orly Lazarov, of UIC’s College of Medicine, said the study represented “a big step forward in understanding how the human brain processes cognition, forms memories and ages”.

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She added: “Determining why some brains age more healthily than others can help researchers make therapeutics for healthy aging, cognitive resilience and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.”

Referring to superagers, Prof Lazarov added: “Something in their brains enables them to maintain a superior memory.

“I believe hippocampal neurogenesis is the secret ingredient, and the data support that.”

The findings were published in the journal Nature. The study also involved researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Washington.