Physical activity is associated with lower cerebral beta-amyloid and cognitive function benefits from lifetime experience–a study in exceptional aging

Background Exceptional agers (85+ years) are characterized by preserved cognition presumably due to high cognitive reserve. In the current study, we examined whether personality, risk and protective factors for dementia as well quality of life associated with core features Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid-deposition hippocampal volume) in exceptional aging. Methods We studied 49 (average 87.8 years, range 84–94 years), activities daily living absence dementia. All participants received a detailed clinical neuropsychological examination. used established questionnaires measure lifetime experience, recent physical activity life. Cerebral amyloid-deposition was estimated 18-[F]-Flutemetamol-PET manual volumetry performed on 3D T1 MRI images. Results this sample living, found intact performance subjects highest amyloid-load brain, but lower respect autonomy higher neuroticism. Higher self-reported last twelve months went amyloid load. leisure-time/ not work-related better executive functioning at older age. Conclusion Even aging, load may subtly influence personality Our findings support close relationship between low underscore importance extracurricular functions. As functions known be central resource everyday fostering effective delaying onset