What is Neurogenesis?
Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells. Once thought to occur only during embryonic development, neurogenesis is now known to continue in specific brain regions throughout adulthood.
How it works
Adult neurogenesis occurs primarily in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (involved in memory) and the subventricular zone (which supplies new neurons to the olfactory bulb). Hippocampal neurogenesis is enhanced by exercise, enriched environments, and learning, and reduced by chronic stress, depression, and aging. The new neurons integrate into existing circuits and are thought to contribute to pattern separation (distinguishing similar memories) and cognitive flexibility. Antidepressants increase hippocampal neurogenesis, which may partly explain their therapeutic effects.
Applied example
Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to increase hippocampal neurogenesis in humans, correlating with improved memory performance. This provides a biological mechanism for the well-established finding that exercise improves cognitive function and reduces depression risk.
Why it matters
Neurogenesis demonstrates that the adult brain retains the capacity to grow new neurons, challenging the long-held dogma that the brain cannot regenerate and providing a biological basis for the cognitive benefits of exercise and enrichment.
