Key insights

• ⚛️ NIH-funded 90 Plus study at University of California Irvine focuses on individuals aged 90 and above
• 🏋️‍♂️ Factors associated with longer life include exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, caffeine, and social engagement
• 🧠 Current focus of the study is on memory and dementia in this age group
• 👴 Findings include impressive and active individuals as well as those struggling with dementia
• 🌟 Many individuals in the study are thriving and engaged in activities
• 📱 Elderly individuals use modern technology like smartphones and social media
• 🔍 Distinguishing between dementia and Alzheimer's disease
• ⚕️ Research is exploring the concept of resilience and inherent protection against dementia

Q&A

• What are some of the overarching themes in the 90 Plus study?

  The study explores aging and resilience, highlighting the role of genetics and the persistence of memory in individuals as they age. It emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and the quest to understand the mysteries of aging, despite challenges like Alzheimer's and vascular disease.

• What is the concept of resilience, as discussed in the 90 Plus study?

  The study shows that some individuals with significant brain pathology can still exhibit normal cognitive function, indicating a phenomenon called resilience. Research is underway to investigate whether certain individuals have inherent protection against dementia.

• What did the team of pathologists at Stanford University discover about a participant's brain in the 90 Plus study?

  The team found that the participant's brain did not have the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, they discovered TDP43, a newly identified cause of dementia, suggesting that many people in their '90s diagnosed with Alzheimer's may actually have different conditions.

• What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

  Dementia is a syndrome affecting memory and thinking abilities, while Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia. The study also includes participants who contribute valuable data even after passing away.

• What activities do many individuals aged over 90 engage in, according to the 90 Plus study?

  Many individuals in the study maintain active lifestyles, such as dancing and exercising. They also use modern technology like smartphones and social media.

• What are some key findings of the 90 Plus study?

  Key findings include the association of longer life with exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, caffeine, and social engagement. The study also reveals impressive and active individuals as well as those struggling with dementia.

• What is the focus of the NIH-funded 90 Plus study at the University of California Irvine?

  The study focuses on individuals aged 90 and above, investigating factors associated with longer life and, more recently, memory and dementia in this age group.

• 00:01 An NIH-funded research study at the University of California Irvine called 90 Plus focuses on the factors associated with longer life and now on memory and dementia in individuals aged 90 and above. Key findings include the association of longer life with exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, caffeine, and social engagement.
• 02:28 The 90 plus study investigates people over 90 years old, showing that many are thriving and engaged despite their age. Some participants maintain active lifestyles and use modern technology like smartphones and social media. Cognitive tests are being conducted by phone due to COVID-19, revealing differences in memory and cognitive abilities among the elderly.
• 04:47 Ruthie's memory is failing, and she is part of a study on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a syndrome affecting memory and thinking abilities. Participants in the study contribute valuable data, even after passing away.
• 06:55 The team of pathologists at Stanford University found that Ted's brain did not have the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, they discovered TDP43, a newly identified cause of dementia. Many people in their '90s diagnosed with Alzheimer's may actually have different conditions.
• 08:51 Some individuals with significant brain pathology, like Alzheimer's disease and TDP disease, can still exhibit normal cognitive function, indicating a phenomenon called resilience. Research is investigating whether certain individuals have inherent protection against dementia.
• 11:04 The 90 plus study explores aging and resilience, highlighting the role of genetics and the persistence of memory in individuals as they age. Despite challenges such as Alzheimer's and vascular disease, the study emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and the quest to understand the mysteries of aging.