2070 - LANGUAGE AS A MARKER OF RESILIENCE: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SUPERAGERS AND NON-SUPERAGERS

Session: P_D07S001 - Poster Session 1 - Division 7
AUTHORS:
Gómez-Martínez Héctor (Albizu University ~ San Juan ~ Puerto Rico) , Maxwell Charity (Albizu University ~ San Juan ~ Puerto Rico) , Reyes-Valentín Victoria (Albizu University ~ San Juan ~ Puerto Rico)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Normal cognitive aging is often associated with declines in memory and language, yet some older adults, known as SuperAgers, maintain exceptionally high performance into advanced age. SuperAgers exemplify cognitive resilience, preserving superior memory and language abilities despite the challenges of aging. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for identifying protective factors that sustain well-being and cognition.


Purpose: This study examined differences in verbal fluency and naming abilities between SuperAgers and non-SuperAgers, defined by delayed recall, to evaluate whether superior memory functioning supports language outcomes in older adulthood.


Method: Data were drawn from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), including cognitively normal older adults aged ≥80 (N = 118; M = 83.33, SD = 2.44; 62 males, 56 females). Participants were classified as SuperAgers (AVDEL30MIN ≥ 9; n = 35, M age = 83.08; 11 males, 24 females) or non-SuperAgers (AVDEL30MIN ≤ 8; n = 83, M age = 83.43; 51 males, 32 females). Language measures included phonemic fluency (FFLUENCY), semantic fluency (CATANIMSC), and confrontation naming (BNTTOTAL). Normality tests guided analysis: independent-samples t-tests were used for normally distributed variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal data. Effect sizes (Cohen's d, r) were reported.


Results: SuperAgers significantly outperformed non-SuperAgers in FFLUENCY (t (122) = 2.44, p = .017, d = 0.44) and CATANIMSC (t (122) = 2.89, p = .005, d = 0.52). No significant difference was observed in BNTTOTAL (U = 1297.5, p = .076, r = 0.16).


Conclusions: SuperAgers demonstrate stronger verbal fluency than non-SuperAgers, underscoring the role of episodic memory in sustaining language during advanced aging. These findings support resilience-based approaches in applied psychology and geriatric care. Memory stimulation combined with language activities may help preserve communication and independence, guiding clinical practice and public policy to promote successful aging.