The neurologist named the key to ideal memory in old age: a common feature of all superagers.

Research on memory retention in elderly individuals

According to ТСН: An American neurologist analyzed data from elderly people with perfect memory and found a common trait among them. The expert believes that a simple lifestyle is the key to maintaining mental sharpness and cognitive functions.

Dr. Baibing Chen, known on social media as Dr. Bing, described methods for supporting brain health during aging in a video on TikTok.

“Science shows that 80- or 90-year-olds with good memory often have one common trait. If you have heard the term 'superaging brain' — it is used to describe elderly people who can think and remember things just like those in their 30s and 40s. As a neurologist, I sometimes see such people in my clinic,” said Dr. Bing.

He emphasized that maintaining social connections is a crucial aspect of their lifestyle.

“While physical exercise and proper nutrition are very important, what unites such people is that they remain social. Recent studies have found that they have thicker parts of the brain called the anterior cingulate cortex. It is associated with emotions, attention, and social connections,” noted the neurologist.

According to him, the sharpest minds were found among elderly individuals who maintained strong and meaningful social connections. The neurologist noted that such interaction resembles “complex training” for the brain, as communication activates brain networks responsible for memory, attention, and empathy. Deep relationships also have a biochemical effect, lowering cortisol levels and increasing the production of oxytocin and dopamine, which, in turn, helps preserve the physical structure of the brain.

“So, if you want to keep your brain young, don't just solve crosswords or sudoku every day. Instead – call friends, communicate, laugh, and stay connected, because this is one of the strongest predictors of maintaining sharpness with age,” added Chen.

The neurologist's words are supported by the “Alzheimer's Association,” which states that loneliness can increase the risk of developing dementia by about 60%. However, experts believe that it is difficult to pinpoint this number precisely, as scientists are still unsure whether loneliness is a cause of dementia or its consequence.

In any case, the conclusion is the same: active communication helps reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Scientists also note that mental disorders can significantly alter the brain. According to them, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other disorders have different manifestations, but cause similar structural changes in the brains of children and adolescents.

The study conducted by the neurologist highlights the importance of social connections for maintaining cognitive functions in elderly people. Communication is found to be not only important for emotional health but also contributes to the physical preservation of the brain. These results may serve as a foundation for new dementia prevention strategies, emphasizing the role of social life in preserving mental activity with age.