100+ study

Question 1

100 plus study

Answer 1

443 centenarians participants
76% women
108 oldest participant
59% live independently
101.2 mean age
105 brain donations
466 children participate
38 siblings

Question 2

Process

Answer 2

Heritability
Interviews and GP report
Gut microbiome tests
Blood tests and genetics
Immunological studies
Neuropsychological assessment
Brain donations
PET/MRI scans

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

—Centenarians build-up Alzheimer proteins in the brains, but much less
—Centenarians are genetically protected against dementia
—The immune system of (some) centenarians are slightly more active

Question 4

PLCG2 mutation

Answer 4

This mutation is known as a rare protective mutation that enhances the function of the enzyme it encodes for.
Theis leads to a improvement of immune responses whilst reducing harmful inflammation
Leading to increased or at least stable neurogenesis and plasticity

Question 5

Characteristics of Centenarians

Answer 5

Higher levels of education and socioeconomic status
Optimistic outlook and active social engagement
Moderate alcohol consumption, limited smoking and overall healthy lifestyles

Question 6

Neuropathological findings

Answer 6

Amyloid plaques are found in centanarians but with lower loads and spread.
Tau pathology was minimal in centanarians suggesting resistance