The study found that SuperAgers produced about twice as many new neurons as healthy older adults and roughly two and a half times as many as people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The research reexamines decades of twin and family data that had suggested a limited genetic role in lifespan.

This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases and chronic inflammation.

They found that their model’s accuracy remained stable regardless of smoking status, body mass index, sex, or even signs of accelerated aging — something previous age predictors have struggled to achieve.

Cohen is a leading expert on how the body’s metabolism affects the aging process.

The team’s breakthrough centers around a protein called PD-L1, which is known for its role in helping cancer cells evade immune detection.