Numerous studies have shown that gentle exercise three times a week can improve concentration and abstract reasoning in older people, perhaps by stimulating the
growth of new brain cells.
The researchers identified differences in the expression of genes involved in various aspects of the injury response and recovery, including the proliferation and
migration of new brain cells, compared to control fish.
The result fit with prior research indicating that accelerated growth
of new brain cells in the dentate gyrus, in a process called neurogenesis, is necessary for antidepressants to cure rats of their depression.
When scientists were able to prevent the excessive neurogenesis which occurs within days of the injury with a drug similar to one under trial for chemotherapy treatments, the rate of birth
of new brain cells went back to normal levels and risk for seizures was reduced.
Over the course of their long - term research on so - called young blood, however, the researchers had noted an opposite effect: blood from older animals appears to contain «pro-aging factors» that suppress neurogenesis — the
sprouting of new brain cells in regions important for memory — which in turn can contribute to cognitive decline.
Studying laboratory rats, Rutgers scientists found, however, that within a month after experimental brain injury, the
number of new brain cells declined dramatically, below the numbers of new neurons that would have been detected if an injury had not occurred.
The excessive
burst of new brain cells after a traumatic head injury that scientists have traditionally believed helped in recovery could instead lead to epileptic seizures and long - term cognitive decline, according to a new Rutgers New Jersey Medical School study.
The study is important, Shors says, because it suggests that the massive
proliferation of new brain cells most likely helps young animals leave the protectiveness of their mothers and face dangers, challenges and opportunities of adulthood.
The researchers also looked at the dendrites growing
out of these new brain cells, projections that reach out and communicate with neighboring cells.
The benefits of exercise come directly from its ability to reduce insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of growth factors — chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and
survival of new brain cells.
Chemotherapy was found to limit the production
of new brain cells in regions responsible for memory function, which leads to a loss of memory.
(The researchers had determined that study subjects were not cognitively impaired and had not suffered from depression or taken antidepressants, which Boldrini and colleagues had previously found could impact the
production of new brain cells.)
One study found that when paternal mice snuggled with their newborn pups in the nest, it prompted the
formation of new brain cells that created a lasting connection with their offspring.
In the September issue of Stem Cell Reports, Viji Santhakumar, associate professor in the department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, and her colleagues, challenge the prevailing assumption by scientists in the field that excessive neurogenesis (the
birth of new brain cells) after injury is advantageous.
Exercise also, and perhaps most resonantly, augments adult neurogenesis, which is the
creation of new brain cells in an already mature brain.
Dr. Perlmutter explains what happens when the brain encounters carbs and gluten, why your brain thrives on fat and cholesterol, and how you can spur the growth
of new brain cells at any age.
Scientists now recognize that intense exercise helps your brain produce brain - derived neutrophic factor, an important protein that helps stimulate the process of neurogenesis, which is the growth
of new brain cells.
In the years since, the researchers have shown that the compound reverses memory deficits, potentiates the production
of new brain cells, and slows or reverses Alzheimer's progression in mice.
The protein impairs the formation
of new brain cells and contributes to age - related memory loss — at least in mice, according to a new study.
Whitmer said one theory stemming from animal research is that metformin may play a role in the development
of new brain cells (neurogenesis).
Benraiss is interested in increasing the rates of this production
of new brain cells, potentially to repair damage.
Their research provides important clues to encourage the development
of new brain cells in those with Alzheimer's disease.
BDNF encourages neurogenesis, or the growth
of new brain cells, which is crucial for improving brain function and memory.
Increased blood circulation to the brain promotes neurogenesis, the production
of new brain cells.
Finally the soy isoflavone genistein reduces DNA synthesis in the brain, reducing the birth
of new brain cells and promoting apoptosis and cell death.
Targeted together, lowering inflammation and increasing the formation
of new brain cells will help the brain rebuild itself in a beneficial way.
So it's no surprise that activities requiring coordination, rhythm and strategic engagement will promote neurogenesis (the growth
of new brain cells) and make you smarter in the long run.
Specifically, one speaker focused on ways to increase brain - derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-- a protein that may «stimulate the production
of new brain cells and / or strengthen existing ones.»
They also stimulate the growth
of new brain cells to take the place of dead or dying cells.
A healthy brain diet recommends moderate exercise because it improves wellbeing, can relieve depression and anxiety and may also promote the growth
of new brain cells.
Another benefit of following a lower calorie detox diet is that it can trigger a release of certain hormones in the brain which encourage the growth
of new brain cells.
IGF - 1 also acts as a neurotrophic factor in the brain, contributing to neurogenesis (growth
of new brain cells) and survival of existing neurons, along with better cognitive function.
• Enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp over Zucchini Noodles and Mussels with Garlicky Kale Ribbons and Artichokes, and the zinc and magnesium from the seafood will help stimulate the growth
of new brain cells.
Therefore, exercise promotes the growth
of new brain cells.
And that's a problem because neurotrophins prompt the growth
of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that's key for memory, explains Jacka.
It also leads to growth
of new brain cells and improved memory retention.