The findings, published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, suggest that exceptional memory in old age depends on something other than simply dodging the disease's genetic risk factors. "The findings reinforce that preserving cognitive health involves more than reducing Alzheimer's disease risk alone," Capuano said in a statement. "The absence of Alzheimer's disease risk factors is not necessarily the same as the presence of factors that actively preserve memory. "Current Alzheimer's genetic risk scores cannot predict who will become a SuperAger," Ungerleider said. Alzheimer's Research & Therapy.