#700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain
Modern Wisdom
Superagers and the Power of the AMCC
Superagers maintain healthy cognitive function similar to individuals in their 20s and 30s, with the anterior midcingulate cortex (AMCC) maintaining or increasing in size into their later years. Most age-related brain mass loss comes from the AMCC. Engaging in challenging tasks, particularly ones that individuals dislike, leads to increased AMCC activity. A study showed that adding three hours of cardiovascular exercise per week for people aged 60 to 79 increased the size of their AMCC, counteracting normal age-related decline. The AMCC may not only represent tenacity but also one's will to live. Activities that individuals find enjoyable, like weightlifting or running, may not boost AMCC size, but engaging in tasks that are mentally or physically challenging, referred to as 'micro sucks' or 'macro sucks,' can enhance the AMCC. These tasks involve breaching resistance or barriers, contributing to mental toughening. Developing a robust AMCC through these challenges can provide a mental engine that can be applied to other pursuits, enhancing overall perseverance and willpower.
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