SuperAgers and Centenarians, Dynamics of Healthy Ageing with Cognitive Resilience

Md Ariful Islam; Ujala Sehar; Omme Fatema Sultana; Upasana Mukherjee; Malcolm Brownell; Sudhir Kshirsagar; P Hemachandra Reddy

doi:10.1016/j.mad.2024.111936

SuperAgers and Centenarians, Dynamics of Healthy Ageing with Cognitive Resilience

Mech Ageing Dev. 2024 Apr 22:111936. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111936. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Md Ariful Islam¹, Ujala Sehar¹, Omme Fatema Sultana¹, Upasana Mukherjee¹, Malcolm Brownell¹, Sudhir Kshirsagar¹, P Hemachandra Reddy²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
² Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA. Electronic address: hemachandra.reddy@ttuhsc.edu.

PMID: 38657874
DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111936

Abstract

Graceful healthy ageing and extended longevity is the most desired goal for human race. The process of ageing is inevitable and has a profound impact on the gradual deterioration of our physiology and health since it triggers the onset of many chronic conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, some people who lived/live more than 100 years called 'Centenarians" and how do they achieve their extended lifespans are not completely understood. Studying these unknown factors of longevity is important not only to establish a longer human lifespan but also to manage and treat people with shortened lifespans suffering from age-related morbidities. Furthermore, older adults who maintain strong cognitive function are referred to as "SuperAgers" and may be resistant to risk factors linked to cognitive decline. Investigating the mechanisms underlying their cognitive resilience may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that support the preservation of cognitive function as people age. The key to a long, physically, and cognitively healthy life has been a mystery to scientists for ages. Developments in the medical sciences helps us to a better understanding of human physiological function and greater access to medical care has led us to an increase in life expectancy. Moreover, inheriting favorable genetic traits and adopting a healthy lifestyle play pivotal roles in promoting longer and healthier lives. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking contribute to overall well-being. The synergy between positive lifestyle choices, access to education, socio-economic factors, environmental determinants and genetic supremacy enhances the potential for a longer and healthier life. Our article aims to examine the factors associated with healthy ageing, particularly focusing on cognitive health in centenarians. We will also be discussing different aspects of ageing including genomic instability, metabolic burden, oxidative stress and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, immunosenescence, and sarcopenia.

Keywords: Centenarians; DNA damage; Epigenetic alterations; Healthy ageing; Inflammation; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Senescence; and depletion of stem cells.