Many of us think that when we reach a certain age, our brain stops growing too. But have no fear, recent study reveals that for those people over the age of 25, there's evidence that our brain is still producing new neurons, and continues well into adulthood.
Neurogenesis or birth of new neurons is a process by which neurons are generated from the neural stem cells and progenitor cells. This phase is usually present in the pre-natal development stage and is responsible for populating the growing brain with neurons. This was what neuroscientist Dr, Sandrine Thuret of King's College London discussed when he in a recent TEDtalk. She also discussed how you can increase your own brain cells as you age.
Researchers are still trying to figure out how this process works, but if there is one thing they know it is this: one region in the brain, the hippocampus, sees the rebirth and regeneration of brain cells. Hippocampus is the grey structure in the center of the brain that is connected with learning, memory, mood, and emotions. Thuret explained that brain cells, the neurons, play a very important role in memory and learning. If we prevent the ability of an adult brain to make new neurons, we also block specific memory abilities, especially in areas like special recognition and the quality of our memories might be affected too.
The most interesting part of the neuroscientist's research is the one that involves the connection of neurogenesis to depression and mental health. Research shows that patients with depression have lower levels of newly generated neurons, while antidepressants increased their production. This ability of the brain to produce new neurons may prevent depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This may also give us plenty of opportunities to increase our own neuron production.
Dr. Thuret explained that the most common ways to increase the production of new neurons include learning something new, sex, and running or any kind of aerobic activity or movement. She also added saying what you eat will have an effect on the neurons your brain makes. She suggested foods known as flavonoids (blueberries, dark chocolates), and omega 3 fatty acids which can be found in fish especially in salmon.
The things that decrease neurogenesis, meanwhile, include stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol, and a diet high in saturated fats and other unhealthy compounds.
