How does learning new information affect the growth of brain cells?
Your brain continues to grow new neurons throughout your entire adult life.
For decades, scientists believed adults were born with a fixed number of brain cells. We now know the brain can generate new neurons through neurogenesis. Activities like exercise and learning new skills stimulate the hippocampus to produce these cells, which helps maintain memory and mental sharpness as you age.
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Adult neurogenesis was first observed in the 1960s by researcher Joseph Altman at MIT, but his findings were largely ignored for decades. It wasn't until the late 1990s that studies led by Peter Eriksson and Fred Gage confirmed that the human hippocampus continues to produce new neurons every day. Research published in the journal 'Cell Stem Cell' suggests that even individuals in their 80s and 90s show evidence of new neuron growth.The process primarily occurs in the dentate gyrus, a specific region of the hippocampus responsible for memory formation and emotional regulation. This growth is fueled by a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which acts like fertilizer for the brain. Aerobic exercise has been shown to significantly increase BDNF levels, directly promoting the birth of these new cells.Environmental enrichment, such as learning a new language or musical instrument, also plays a critical role in the survival of these newborn neurons. Without mental stimulation, many of these new cells die off within weeks. However, when integrated through learning, they become functional parts of the brain's neural network. This discovery has revolutionized our understanding of neuroplasticity and offers hope for treating age-related cognitive decline.
Verified Fact
FP-0004118 · Feb 18, 2026