Janet Maccora1,2, Ruth Peters1,2, Kaarin J Anstey1,2,3. 1. University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 2. Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Abstract
Background: Despite expectations of deterioration in memory function with age, some older adults demonstrate superior memory performance and have been defined as SuperAgers. Method: SuperAgers were identified in a population-based prospective cohort in Australia (n = 1,679; 49.4% female; mean age = 70.6 ±1.5 years) as participants who, over a 12-year period, consistently scored at or above the median of participants 40 years younger on recall tasks. Chi-square and t tests and logistic regression models measured associations between risk factors and being a SuperAger. Results: The prevalence of SuperAgers was higher in women (8.6%) than men (5.3%). Education was associated with being a SuperAger for women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01, 1.26]) and men (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.40]). Other associated factors were investigative activities and alcohol consumption for women and social activities and depressive symptoms for men. Conclusion: Adults over 60 can sustain superior memory recall; however, associated factors may vary between genders.
Background: Despite expectations of deterioration in memory function with age, some older adults demonstrate superior memory performance and have been defined as SuperAgers. Method: SuperAgers were identified in a population-based prospective cohort in Australia (n = 1,679; 49.4% female; mean age = 70.6 ±1.5 years) as participants who, over a 12-year period, consistently scored at or above the median of participants 40 years younger on recall tasks. Chi-square and t tests and logistic regression models measured associations between risk factors and being a SuperAger. Results: The prevalence of SuperAgers was higher in women (8.6%) than men (5.3%). Education was associated with being a SuperAger for women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01, 1.26]) and men (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.40]). Other associated factors were investigative activities and alcohol consumption for women and social activities and depressive symptoms for men. Conclusion: Adults over 60 can sustain superior memory recall; however, associated factors may vary between genders.
Authors: Elena Nicole Dominguez; Shauna M Stark; Yueqi Ren; Maria M Corrada; Claudia H Kawas; Craig E L Stark Journal: Front Aging Neurosci Date: 2021-11-04 Impact factor: 5.750