Adults Generate New Brain Cells, Which Play a Role in Enhancing Learning Through Listening

Your brain can still produce new neurons in adulthood, but how do these rare additions support cognitive function?

Neurons, the cells responsible for brain function, are mostly formed before birth. While early life sees the bulk of brain development, certain regions continue generating neurons into adulthood, albeit at a slower pace. Scientists debate whether adult neurogenesis occurs widely and what role it plays in the brain.

Research shows that people with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and other dementias generate fewer neurons as adults than those without these conditions. However, it’s unclear if this lack of new neurons directly contributes to their cognitive challenges.

Our team of neuroscientists, neurologists, and stem cell researchers recently uncovered a connection between adult neurogenesis and verbal learning — the ability to learn by listening to others.

New Neurons and Learning In The Brain

In mice, new neurons are known to aid memory and spatial learning. In humans, their rarity and the technical difficulty of identifying them have left their significance uncertain. To explore this, we studied patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, conducting cognitive assessments and analyzing brain tissue collected during surgery.

Using markers of neurogenesis, we found that adult neurons are linked to reduced cognitive decline, particularly in verbal learning. Surprisingly, this link didn’t extend to spatial learning in humans, highlighting differences between species.

Boosting Cognition

Verbal learning and memory are essential for daily life but often decline with age or neurological disorders. As populations age, the burden of cognitive decline on healthcare systems will grow.

Our research suggests enhancing neuron production could improve verbal learning and restore cognition in aging individuals and those with conditions like epilepsy or dementia. While such treatments remain a long-term goal, this finding underscores the importance of studying human neurogenesis directly to bridge gaps between animal models and clinical applications.

Towards New Treatments

Existing epilepsy treatments focus on reducing seizures, with little attention to cognitive decline. To address this gap, we launched a clinical trial testing whether aerobic exercise can boost neuron production and cognition in epilepsy patients.

Currently in Phase 1, the trial aims to establish safety. Two participants have completed the study, and we plan to enrol eight more.

By combining basic research and clinical studies, we hope to unlock the brain’s regenerative potential, paving the way for treatments that enhance cognitive health throughout life.

Read Original Article: Science Alert

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