Study finds continued birth of new neurons (neurogenesis) well into our 70s

___ New brain memory cells develop well into old age (Reuters): “Well into our 70s, we continue to develop new cells in an area of the brain responsible for new memories and exploration of new environments, scientists report. “These new brain cells sustain our abilities to make new memories, learn, and cope with the environment, and they are important for emotional responses,” Dr. Maura Boldrini from Columbia University in New York City told Reuters Health by email…Even the oldest brains produced new brain cells. The number of developing and immature brain cells remained stable across the age range, the researchers reported in the journal Cell Stem Cell. There was, however, a decline in the ability of mature nerve cells to change their function — a property known as neuroplasticity — with increasing age… “We know that vasculature can become weaker with aging, and we need to find ways to keep our (blood vessels) healthy so that our brain can remain more plastic,” Dr. Boldrini said. “This means that through healthy lifestyle, enriched environment, social interactions, and exercise” — all of which help maintain healthy blood vessels — “we can maintain these neurons healthy and functioning and sustain healthy aging.” The Study: Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis Persists throughout Aging (Cell Stem Cell) Summary: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis declines in aging rodents and primates. Aging humans are thought to exhibit waning neurogenesis and exercise-in...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Cognitive Neuroscience Education & Lifelong Learning Health & Wellness angiogenesis Brain-Fitness cognitive-fitness Cognitive-impairment Neurogenesis Neurons neuroplasticity neuropsychiatric Source Type: blogs