The Swedish Centenarian Study: A Multidisciplinary Study of Five Consecutive Cohorts at the Age of 100

Abstract

Eighty-two percent were women, 25 percent lived in their own home, 37 percent in old age homes, and 38 percent in nursing homes. Socioeconomic status showed a similar distribution compared to nationally representative data. Fifty-two percent managed activities of daily living with or without minor assistance. The incidence of severe diseases was low. In 39 percent a disorder of the circulatory system was found. Thirty-nine percent (women) and 11 percent (men) had had at least one hip fracture. Twenty percent had good hearing and good vision. Twenty-seven percent were demented according to DSM III-R criteria. Means on cognitive tests (word-list, digit-span, learning, and memory) were lower compared to seventy to eighty year old groups. The variation in performance was extremely widespread. Personality profiles (MMPI) indicated that the centenarians were more responsible, capable, easygoing and less prone to anxiety than the population in general. Extensive neuropathological investigation revealed no major diseases or large lesions but mild through multiple changes. RESULTS suggest that centenarians are a special group genetically. A causal structure model emphasized body constitution, marital status, cognition and blood pressure as particularly important determinants for survival after 100 years.

Morbidity of Tokyo-Area Centenarians and Its Relationship to Functional Status

“…The participation rate of this study was 43% in the mailing survey and 25% for the visiting survey. This participation rate was lower than rates reported in other centenarian studies (3)(4)(5)7,8). According to our prior study of Tokyo-area centenarians, the participation rate was 43%, which was the same as in the present mailing survey (17).…”

“…As in previous studies (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9), the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease was high. Notably, the prevalence of T2DM was very low.…”

“…Previous American and European investigations have described most centenarians to be survivors with multiple comorbidities (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). To date, several studies have demonstrated the biological potential that modulates longevity and disease susceptibility to be heritable (10)(11)(12).…”

Distal and Proximal Resource Influences on Economic Dependency among the Oldest Old

“…Hence 'Extraverted individuals may … obtain more social support' and 'conscientious persons may … take better care of daily tasks necessary to survive' [ 17 , p 98]. Additionally, Martin reported there is substantial evidence that centenarian personality traits and states affect their functional and mental health, which may influence dependency [18][19][20] .…”

Neuropathological Brain Mapping

“…Mapping of the pathology in centenarians has shown a wide mixture of changes of a very mild nature and yet the patient is mildly or moderately demented. The explanation in this situa tion seems to be a summational dementia on the basis of milder cerebrovascular and degenerative changes im posed on a brain with a reduced reserve capacity due to normal aging [ 19], Here structural and functional imaging methods as well as analysis of the symptomatology may fail and leave no guideline for diagnosis or therapy.…”