Immature neurons may explain why some brains resist Alzheimer's symptoms

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience examined donated brain tissue from three groups and found immature neurons even in people over 80. In cognitively resilient individuals these cells more strongly activated survival and protection programs and showed weaker inflammation and cell-death signals.

• About 30% of older adults with Alzheimer's pathology never show symptoms
• Immature neurons were found in all groups, including people over 80
• Cell counts differed little; their protective activity was the key
• Resilient brains showed lower inflammation and cell-death signals