Gene hardwires aging brains for better cognition

Experts in the field have known for sometime that longevity of life runs in families. Called the "longevity gene," people who posses it have larger size particles of cholesterol in their blood, too big to cause the fatty build up that causes heart attacks and strokes in their younger counterparts.

A recent study in the United States suggests that this same gene may also prevent fatty build up in the blood vessels of the brain, preserving memory and cognition. Participants in the study -- all in their 70s, 80s, and 90s -- who carried the gene all performed much higher on memory tests and showed superior concentration.

For those of us who don't carry the gene, never fear. Experts hope that more research in this area will help them develop a drug that mimics the actions of the longevity gene.