Rates of age‐ and amyloid β‐associated cortical atrophy in older adults with superior memory performance

Introduction Superior cognitive performance in older adults may reflect underlying resistance to age‐associated neurodegeneration. While elevated amyloid β (Aβ) deposition (Aβ+) has been associated with increased cortical atrophy, it remains unknown whether “SuperAgers” may be protected from Aβ‐associated neurodegeneration. Methods Neuropsychologically defined SuperAgers (n = 172) and cognitively normal for age (n = 172) older adults from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study were case matched. Rates of cortical atrophy over 8 years were examined by SuperAger classification and Aβ status. Results Of the case‐matched SuperAgers and cognitively normal for age older adults, 40.7% and 40.1%, respectively, were Aβ+. Rates of age‐ and Aβ‐associated atrophy did not differ between the groups on any measure. Aβ− individuals displayed the slowest rates of atrophy. Discussion Maintenance of superior memory in late life does not reflect resistance to age‐ or Aβ‐associated atrophy. However, those individuals who reached old age without cognitive impairment nor elevated Aβ deposition (i.e. Aβ−) displayed reduced rates of cortical atrophy.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

40 more references, whose wording the paper’s licence keeps private.

A person counts once a day per paper. We keep no cookie and no address: a reader is a hash that changes every day. Any month under five reads shows no number.