Can you make new brain cells?

As a neuroscientist, I can tell you that the ability of adults to generate new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis, has been a topic of significant interest and research. Historically, it was believed that the human brain was not capable of producing new neurons after a certain age. However, recent studies have challenged this notion. Adults can indeed grow new neurons, particularly in regions of the brain associated with learning and memory, such as the hippocampus. This discovery has been a major shift in our understanding of brain plasticity and has opened up new avenues for research into various conditions, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Neurogenesis is influenced by several factors. For instance, physical exercise, a healthy diet, and cognitive stimulation can promote the growth of new brain cells. On the other hand, stress, lack of sleep, and aging can all reduce the natural rate of neurogenesis. It's important to note that while the discovery of adult neurogenesis is exciting, it is still an area of ongoing research, and many questions remain about the extent and implications of this process.

Can adults grow new neurons? Until relatively recently, experts believed the answer was no. But as neuroscientist Sandrine Thuret explains in a new TED Talk, humans can indeed generate new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis. ... Stress, lack of sleep, and aging all reduce the natural rate of neurogenesis.