Vanderbilt researchers report that some octogenarians — “super agers” whose cognition matches people decades younger — are far less likely to carry the Alzheimer’s risk gene APOE-ε4 and more likely to have the protective APOE-ε2, based on data from roughly 18,000 people. The team describes a possible “super-ager phenotype” linked to reduced genetic Alzheimer’s risk, while warning that genes aren’t destiny. Complementary studies emphasize that healthy weight, controlled blood pressure, regular exercise, good sleep and lifelong cognitive engagement can reduce dementia risk.
Forever Young? Study Finds ‘Super Agers’ Much Less Likely To Carry Alzheimer’s Risk Gene
Some people stay sharp well into their 80s, and new Vanderbilt research suggests “super agers” may owe part of that advantage to genetics — specifically, a far lower likelihood of carrying the APOE-ε4 Alzheimer’s risk gene. Christin Klose/dpa
Growing older often raises questions: why does one person in their 80s remain spry and sharp while another in their 60s struggles with fatigue and shortness of breath? New research from Vanderbilt University offers genetic clues that may help explain some of these differences in cognitive ageing.
Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia and based on roughly 18,000 participants, the Vanderbilt analysis found that a subset of octogenarians — described as “super agers” because their cognitive performance resembles people 20–30 years younger — are significantly less likely to carry the Alzheimer’s-associated APOE-ε4 gene. Specifically, super agers were 68% less likely to carry APOE-ε4 than same-age peers with dementia, and 19% less likely than age-matched individuals classed as cognitively normal.
The study also found that super agers were more likely to carry the potentially protective APOE-ε2 variant: almost 30% more likely than those who age as expected and 103% more likely than people diagnosed with dementia.
“There appears to be a super-ager phenotype,” said Leslie Gaynor, Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt, adding that this profile could help identify an exceptional group of oldest-old adults with a reduced genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers and commentators caution that genetics are only part of the story. Carrying a risk or protective gene does not guarantee a particular outcome: environment, health behaviors and other medical conditions also shape cognitive trajectories.
Lifestyle And Other Research
Complementary studies emphasize the interaction between physical and cognitive health. Recent findings cited by the article include:
- Vascular Risk: Dr. Ruth Frikke-Schmidt and colleagues reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism that high body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure are direct causes of dementia, highlighting the role of vascular health.
- Exercise And Neurons: A 2024 study from MIT found evidence that exercise can stimulate motor neurons, and research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that people who keep physically fit have a lower long-term dementia risk.
Practical steps repeatedly associated with reduced dementia risk include maintaining healthy weight and blood pressure, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, staying physically active, and engaging the brain through reading, learning languages, or pursuing hobbies.
Bottom line: The Vanderbilt study highlights a possible genetic profile linked to exceptional cognitive ageing, but it also reinforces that lifestyle and overall health matter — genetics can tilt the odds, not decide them.
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