Neurogenesis

What can one do to improve neurogenesis? Supplements? Practice?

Prediction: Yes, there are supplements and more techniques being discovered.

Article 1:

Erica R. Glasper, Timothy J. Schoenfeld, Elizabeth Gould, Adult neurogenesis: Optimizing hippocampal function to suit the environment, Behavioural Brain Research, Available online 23 May 2011, ISSN 0166-4328, 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.05.013.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432811004025)

Validity: The article was published this year and therefore will be more relevant than older information. The article has been peer reviewed. Members of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute at Princeton wrote it. No further information was available at this level of access.

Summary: Based on past studies, the researchers are working to come up with a more useful ways to prime the brain for formation of new neurons in the hippocampus. New neurons have been found to be related to improved learning and reduced anxiety. Reduced neurogenesis happens in more severe threat situations and increases chances of survivlal. These situations are accompanied by anxiety. Increase in neurogenesis is found in situations where reward is consistently given.

Reflections and thoughts: While reading the article, I was a bit confused about the phrasing. While the article was clearly looking for a way to optimize neurogenesis, the reduced neurogenesis seemed to have benefits as well. In the sense that anxiety can be useful, I was a bit confused that it seemed as though researchers saw that as a negative. Perhaps in the way that over exhausting adrenals is a bad idea, so is reduced neurogenerative state. I am particularly glad that I can switch easily into “fight-or’flight” and function easily in exigent circumstances. At the same time, I am continuously reminded to beware of non-profit burnout.

Article 2:

T.J. Shors, M.L. Anderson, D.M. Curlik II, M.S. Nokia, Use it or lose it: How neurogenesis keeps the brain fit for learning, Behavioural Brain Research, Available online 22 April 2011, ISSN 0166-4328, 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.04.023.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432811003330)

Validity: The article was published this year and therefore will be more relevant than older information. The article has been peer reviewed. It was written by Department of Psychology, Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University. No further information was available at this level of access. Dr. Schors has published over 100 articles and in several well respected academic journals.

Summary: In order to keep newly made neuron cells, learning must occur. Without this learning, the cells are not integrated into the brain circuitry. The type of learning that is necessary also in turn relies on these cells. This learning is known as “effortful learning, a process that involves concentration in the present moment of experience over some extended period of time.” During this learning, the new and old neuron cells mix together, enabling present memories to integrate with old. This in turn makes the ability to make predictions.

Reflections: It is interesting to think of old neurons to merely be the fodder for the fire of fit brain activity. To think that the old cells require the old to actually function on a higher level shows how the body/the brain works in such harmony. The new cells would die without the old. The old cells reach a ceiling in functioning without the new. This makes me think of how we structure learning in levels; building foundations and then further articulating the subjects. Without an understanding of basics, no specialization can occur. That is why I continue to review introductory courses in preparation for graduate school.

Article 3:

M. Guerra-Crespo, D. Gleason, A. Sistos, T. Toosky, I. Solaroglu, J.H. Zhang, P.J. Bryant, J.H. Fallon, Transforming growth factor-alpha induces neurogenesis and behavioral improvement in a chronic stroke model, Neuroscience, Volume 160, Issue 2, 5 May 2009, Pages 470-483, ISSN 0306-4522, 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.02.029.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306452209001894)

Validity: The article was published in Neuroscience in 2009. The journal asserts in its Aims and Scopes that articles must be: “Any paper, however short, will be considered for publication provided that it reports significant, new and carefully confirmed findings with full experimental details.” I also feel comforted when there are many departments and institutions involved in research and publication. In this case, the following institutions were involved: Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, and Department of Psychiatry, Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine.

Summary: Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα) already exists in our bodies and is produced in several areas of the body from macrophages to epithelial cells. Researchers administered TGFa to rats who brains had been subjected to a stroke. Up to four weeks after the brain damage, the TGFa was able to encourage cell growth. The cells were able to “migrate preferentially along and ventral to the corpus callosum (CC) and external capsule to the site of the injury where many of them differentiate into several site-appropriate neuronal phenotypes in association with near complete (99%) behavioral recovery.” Thusly TGFa is useful for brain recovery for chronic stroke and potentially other neurological damage.

Reflections: I find it interesting that something that our own bodies make can help so efficiently. The experimenting and use of different growth factors is very exciting. Our bodies already have what we are looking for to repair. The fact that the action of introducing TGFa up to a month later still showed such positive results amazed me. Perhaps neurological issues will less plague future older populations. This gives me faith in a world that seems to be lessening and lessening our access to consistent and efficient eldercare.

Article 4:

T. Kobilo, M.C. Potter, H. van Praag, Neurogenesis and Exercise, In: Editors-in-Chief: George F. Koob, Michel Le Moal and Richard F. Thompson, Editor(s)-in-Chief, Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience, Academic Press, Oxford, 2010, Pages 404-409, ISBN 9780080453965, 10.1016/B978-0-08-045396-5.00239-6.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080453965002396)

Validity: National Institute on Aging published the article in 2010. Initially, I was nervous about its validity. I did find that the Institute is part of the National Institute of Health. It has a very strong research department in the Division of Neuroscience. The reputation of the institution gives me more faith.

Summary: Some of the obvious detriments of a sedentary lifestyle are increased chances of heart disease and cancer. Exercise also helps the brain function best by helping with cognition and memory. New neurons grow in the hippocampus with exercise.

Reflections: The benefits of exercise impress me all the time. Yes, we know exercise is good for you but it becomes increasingly better with further research. I know that for myself when I incorporate exercise into my week, I am more alert. I sleep better and tend to recall information more easily.