What is neurogenesis?

There is a fairly widespread belief according to which neurons are only created in our childhood. However, this statement is false. The concept of neurogenesis can be explained in a few words: the birth of new cells. This phenomenon represents a key aspect in neuronal plasticity and in processes as important as learning and memory. Without a doubt, this is a fundamental finding that is currently being investigated exhaustively by the scientific community due to the great benefit it can bring.

Neurogenesis was not confirmed until relatively recently. In the sixties, Altman and Das (1965) demonstrated this phenomenon in rodents, but it was not until 1998 when Peter S. Eriksson’s research team demonstrated it in humans. Conclusions from subsequent research (for example, Moreno R., Pedraza C. and Gallo M. 2013) show that We generate new cells during our adult stage and it is vitally important to promote their creation. Do you want to know what it is and how we can benefit from it? Come with me!

Where does neurogenesis occur?

This phenomenon takes place in the subventricular zone (lower part of the lateral ventricles), but above all in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (Ehnenger and Kempermann, 2007). This structure is located in the temporal lobe and is part of the limbic system. Among the main functions of the hippocampus we find those related to memory, learning, spatial orientation and emotional regulation.

The new cells can be classified into two groups. On the one hand, we find the stem or stem cells with the ability to divide indefinitely and differentiate into different types of specialized cells. On the other hand, we find the neural progenitor cellswhose capacity for expansion and self-renewal is more limited than the first (Arias-Carrión, 2007).

Why is neurogenesis so important?

According to Couillard-Després and collaborators (2011), ““There is a facilitatory relationship between adult hippocampal neurogenesis and performance in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory tasks during aging.”. This statement highlights the importance of learning and memory tasks for the creation of new neurons. Or what is the same, if we want to create new cells throughout our lives, We should not leave aside activities that stimulate our brain.

Learning something new not only means acquiring a new skill, but also creating neural material. Speaking a new language, playing an instrument, or any activity that keeps the mind active will encourage the creation of new neurons. And we can do this throughout our lives. For this reason, It is never too late to learn, on the contrary, we will slow down the natural cognitive deterioration caused by age.

However, a sedentary lifestyle and inactivity have the opposite effect, not only do they not favor neurogenesis, but they contribute to cognitive deterioration running its course unchecked. Contrary to what is believed, what damages neurons is not excessive activity, but inactivity. Alcohol, tobacco, poor sleep and an unbalanced diet directly destroy them.

More sport and less stress!

Until now we knew that sport reduced stress and got us in shape, but not only that, now we know that it also promotes neurogenesis. Morales-Mira M. and Valenzuela-Harrington M. (2014) state that “Physical exercise effectively increases neurogenesis in the adult hippocampuswhich is related to improvements in tasks dependent on it, constituting great therapeutic potential in the delay and repair of brain damage caused by injuries or diseases.”.

When we are stressed or suffer chronic stress, the hypothalamus secretes hormones that activate the pituitary gland, facilitating the release of glucocorticoids (cortisol). If we are unable to cut off this torrent of cortisol in the body, it will end up affecting the neurons of the hippocampus. and in this way neurogenesis would not occur.

By performing physical exercise we regulate glucocorticoid levels and deactivate the brain circuit that causes stress and thus facilitate the regeneration of the hippocampus. In summary, a stressed hippocampus does not produce neurogenesis; a healthy hippocampus, yes.

If we want to maintain a healthy mind that continues to generate new cells throughout our lives, it is as simple as activating the mind. We no longer have arguments to remain still and let ourselves be carried away by natural deterioration, but rather we know we have the potential to promote neurogenesis and maintain a more active mind for longer than we thought.

Read, learn to play the guitar, the piano, sign up for Chinese classes, go for a walk, meditate, exercise… there is no excuse anymore, get your mind in shape!

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