What scientists have learned from studying people over 90 | 60 Minutes Archive

Summary

The 90 Plus Study at UC Irvine explores the secrets to longevity by studying people aged 90 and above. It uncovers surprising factors that contribute to aging well, such as moderate alcohol consumption, social engagement, and even gaining a little weight as we age. The study also delves into memory and dementia, revealing complexities in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. With participants living well into their 90s and beyond, the study provides new insights into resilience against cognitive decline, offering hope and valuable knowledge for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The number of Americans aged 90 and above is expected to triple over the next 30 years, prompting research into the factors that contribute to longer life.
• 😀 The 90 Plus Study, funded by NIH and led by the University of California Irvine, aims to uncover what helps people live longer, focusing on exercise, moderate drinking, caffeine consumption, social engagement, and even carrying a few extra pounds as we age.
• 😀 The study is currently focused on memory and dementia, and researchers are finding that Alzheimer's disease might not be the primary cause of dementia in the elderly.
• 😀 Many of the participants in the 90 Plus study, including people in their 90s and early 100s, remain mentally sharp and active, engaging in activities like ballroom dancing and using modern technology such as smartphones and Zoom.
• 😀 Some participants in the study have developed dementia, including memory loss, but researchers are learning that dementia can result from a variety of causes beyond Alzheimer's.
• 😀 Dementia is a syndrome, not a specific disease, and can be caused by different factors like micro-infarcts (tiny strokes) and hippocampal sclerosis, which is the shrinking of part of the brain.
• 😀 The 90 Plus Study team is finding that many elderly individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's might have other causes of dementia or even show no cognitive decline despite significant brain pathology.
• 😀 A new breakthrough in dementia research is the identification of TDP-43, a protein that may cause up to one in five cases of dementia in people over 90, which had previously been linked to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
• 😀 Even with significant brain pathology, some elderly individuals, like Henry Torell and Sid Shirro, remain mentally sharp, leading scientists to explore the concept of 'resilience'—the ability to resist dementia despite brain changes.
• 😀 The study reveals that resilience could be influenced by genetic factors, but more research is needed to understand the full range of causes behind cognitive protection in the elderly.

Q & A

What is the 90 Plus Study and what is its main focus?

The 90 Plus Study is a research project at the University of California Irvine that focuses on studying people aged 90 and older. The study aims to uncover factors that contribute to longevity and to investigate the causes of dementia, particularly memory loss.

What were the key findings from the 90 Plus Study in terms of factors associated with longer life?

The key findings from the study suggest that factors such as exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, social engagement, and even a slight weight gain are associated with longer life.

How has the study evolved to focus more on memory and dementia?

The 90 Plus Study has shifted its focus to better understand memory and dementia, as the participants age and some begin to experience cognitive decline. Researchers are particularly interested in the causes of memory loss and the complexities surrounding dementia.

What is the significance of the protein TDP43 in the context of dementia?

TDP43 is a protein that has been identified as a potential cause of dementia, especially in individuals over the age of 90. It was originally found in ALS patients and is now believed to account for up to 20% of dementia cases in the elderly.

What is the phenomenon of 'resilience' in relation to dementia, and why is it important?

Resilience refers to the ability of certain individuals to maintain good cognitive function despite having brain pathology typically associated with dementia. It suggests that some people may have protective mechanisms or genetic factors that allow them to resist the effects of dementia.

How does the 90 Plus Study challenge the traditional understanding of Alzheimer's disease?

The study challenges the traditional understanding by showing that many individuals with significant brain plaques and tangles (usually associated with Alzheimer's) do not exhibit dementia symptoms. This suggests that Alzheimer's is more complex, and that other factors may influence whether dementia develops.

What did researchers find when examining Ted Rosenbom's brain after his death?

After Ted Rosenbom's death, researchers found that although his test results indicated memory problems, his brain did not have the typical Alzheimer's-related plaques and tangles. Instead, his brain contained TDP43, leading researchers to conclude that TDP43 might be responsible for his dementia-like symptoms.

Why is studying people over 90 considered increasingly important by researchers?

Studying people over 90 is becoming more important because of the growing number of elderly individuals, with the number of people aged 90 and above expected to triple in the next 30 years. Understanding the factors that contribute to their long lives and cognitive health is critical as populations age.

What role does the genetic factor play in resilience to dementia?

Genetics may play a significant role in resilience to dementia. Researchers believe that certain genetic factors or combinations of genes might offer protection against the onset of dementia, allowing some individuals to maintain cognitive function despite significant brain pathology.

How do scientists use brain scans and tests to understand aging and dementia?

Scientists use brain scans, such as PET scans, and cognitive tests to monitor the health of elderly participants in the study. These tests help assess memory, cognitive abilities, and the presence of brain plaques, enabling researchers to make connections between brain pathology and cognitive function.