So what is a SuperAger? Northwestern University has studied SuperAgers for a long time and defines them as, “extraordinary individuals aged 80 and above whose memory performance rivals that of people three decades younger.” [1]
The term SuperAger is an observational delusion. It is describing what is observed and imparting a meaning to the observation that has nothing to do with why some older people are better at cognitive tasks than others in the same age group.
From what the report states about the study the ‘why’ of greater neuron production is never addressed, just the existence of it. Observational delusion does have a trait of focusing on the lazy. Such as quantity without asking why the quantity is as it is.
“Older adults classified as “SuperAgers” generate at least twice as many neurons in the hippocampus than their typical aging peers, a new study has revealed.
These findings, released on Wednesday by the University of Illinois Chicago and Northwestern University, could help explain why SuperAgers have exceptional memory and cognitive resilience even well past 80 years old.” [1]
“In this study, they analyzed post-mortem brain tissue — nearly 356,000 individual cell nuclei — with a focus on the hippocampus, which is essential for forming new memories and supporting learning and spatial navigation.” [1]
Observing the parts of a device does not tend to indicate anything other than the parts. To declare that the hippocampus (where the process of memory calculations takes place) is essential for “forming new memories and supporting learning and spatial navigation,” is to ignore what it actually does. It is like declaring the thing in the front of a car is responsible for moving the car and involves the burning of fuel and the moving of wheels.
Don’t call it an engine. It is a thing that does things. That is simply stupid.
“The researchers found that SuperAgers produced at least twice as many new neurons compared to “cognitively normal” older adults and those with Alzheimer’s pathology.
They also found that changes in certain brain support cells (astrocytes) and key memory cells (CA1 neurons) are linked to preserved cognitive ability, helping to keep the brain sharp with age.” [1]
But WHY do such older adults produce more new neurons? The question is never addressed. The reason is that what is observed is declared to be the cause of what is observed. Observational delusion.
When the process of brain function needs to create more neurons it also adds the support structure for them.
“‘SuperAgers have more immature neurons and neuroblasts in the hippocampus, which is an indication of stronger neurogenesis when compared with other groups,’ study co-author Changiz Geula, research professor of cell and developmental biology and neuroscience at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.” [1]
It is a total incorrect induction to declare that neurogenesis, the name given to the creation of new neurons just happens. That happens for a specific reason and it has nothing to do with what is observed.
“‘We’ve always said that SuperAgers show that the aging brain can be biologically active, adaptable and flexible, but we didn’t know why,’ said co-author Tamar Gefen, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a neuropsychologist at Northwestern’s Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, in the release.
‘This is biological proof that their brains are more plastic, and a real discovery that shows that neurogenesis of young neurons in the hippocampus may be a contributing factor.'” [1]
They still don’t know why because they never questioned the observation. The term plastic is used to denote the observation that new structure is created. Nothing is plastic. The new and young neurons are made in order to continue the process pathway. Greater values reach the end of a pathway and have no where to go. A new neuron and its support structure results. It is not plastic and it is not mystical.
“‘Thus, maintaining good overall health by keeping systemic diseases in check, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, and ensuring the elderly remain mentally active assume more importance.'” [1]
The mentally active part is the only part that applies here. Of course the generic ‘be well’ condition contributes to healthy process but it does not make it.
The more self-aware a person is, the more that person will process mental functions and the more neurons will be created to support the results.
All of this to come to the simple conclusion, use it or lose it. It has nothing to do with what is observed being done.
Not once did the researchers ask, why there were more neurons, why there were more support structure. They simply observed the outcome and declared the outcome created itself.
Sad.
[1] https://www.foxnews.com/health/some-80-year-olds-still-have-razor-sharp-brains-now-scientists-know-why