Brains of ‘super agers’ are still strong producers of new neurons
Nature • • general
Key Points:
- A study published in Nature found that adults with strong neuron production, or neurogenesis, tend to have better memory and cognitive function, including a group of 'super agers' over 80 with exceptional memory.
- The researchers observed that new neurons made up only about 0.01% of those in the hippocampus, a key memory region, but individuals with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s had fewer immature neurons.
- 'Super agers' showed higher numbers of immature neurons compared to other groups and those with Alzheimer's, though the small sample sizes (ten or fewer per group) limit statistical significance.
- The study supports the idea that neurogenesis continues into adulthood, challenging earlier beliefs that neuron formation ceased after childhood, a
