You Can Grow New Brain Cells. Here's What You Can Do to Optimize Brain Function (2024)

FAQs

Can you grow new brain cells? ›

Neurogenesis refers to the formation of new neurons in the brain. It is an integral part of prenatal development, but neurogenesis in adults has been a topic of debate among scientists. Today, research suggests that neurogenesis continues in certain areas of the brain after birth and even into adulthood.

As you get older, you can continue to grow new brain cells, called neurogenesis, and even reverse some of the natural brain cell loss that occurs with age. To encourage your brain to grow new cells, try adopting healthy habits like exercising regularly and doing stress-relieving activities.

No, you cannot heal a damaged brain. Medical treatments can just help to stop further damage and limit the functional loss from the damage. The healing process of the brain is not the same as the skin. When the skin gets damaged, such as due to minor skin wounds, it usually heals wells without leaving scars.

They found that both aerobic exercise and resistance training are important. Aerobic exercise was shown to improve cognitive ability, while resistance training was most effective on enhancing executive function, memory and working memory. All this to say, getting a good mix of different activity is the way to go.

Increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): BDNF is a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth of new neurons and synapses. Fasting can increase BDNF levels, which may lead to improved cognitive function, learning and memory.

Stimulating areas of the brain with electrical or magnetic pulses has been shown to induce brain cell networks to rewire their connections. This raises the hope that it might be possible to restore function by rewiring brain networks damaged by stroke or other neurological disorders.

What drugs are used to regenerate brain cells? ›

Summary: Scientists have identified two topical drugs (miconazole and clobetasol) capable of stimulating regeneration of damaged brain cells and reversing paralysis in animal models of MS.

Recent studies have shown that the brain produces new cells (as many as 1500 new neurons every day in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus). In a healthy brain, neurogenesis occurs frequently, especially in the hippocampus. This fact is now widely acknowledged. Additionally, as we age, brain cells do not regenerate.

Age doesn't slow the brain from continuing to generate new cells. The brains of healthy older people — including those well into their 70s — can generate as many neurons, or nerve cells, as younger people do, according to new research published in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

Once brain cells die, the effect of the brain damage is permanent. Thankfully, some of the changes in the alcoholic brain are due to cells simply changing size in the brain. Once an alcoholic has stopped drinking, these cells return to their normal volume, showing that some alcohol-related brain damage is reversible.

Cells damaged, but not beyond repair, will begin to heal and function more normally. Rehabilitation therapies stimulate sprouting of existing nerve cells, causing them to make connections to other nerve cells. The brain can recruit surviving parts to take over the functions of the damaged areas.