Unlocking the Brain’s Potential: Can Adults Really Grow New Brain Cells?

The developing human brain creates billions of neurons while in the womb, with more added during childhood. For much of the 20th century, it was believed that we were stuck with the brain cells we grew before adulthood. However, recent research is changing this view.

Can adults create new neurons? Some experts argue there’s evidence supporting this, while others are less convinced. The creation of new brain cells, known as neurogenesis, has been observed in various animals, including mice and songbirds, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory.

Studies show that lifestyle factors can affect neurogenesis in animals. For example, a stimulating environment and regular exercise promote new neuron growth. On the other hand, diseases like Alzheimer’s can hinder this process. Yet, it’s still unclear if these findings apply to humans.

“We mainly rely on animal studies to understand adult neurogenesis,” says Hongjun Song, a neuroscience professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Directly applying this knowledge to humans is challenging due to the methods used in animal studies, which can’t be replicated in people.

Gerd Kempermann, another expert in the field, notes that there’s currently no reliable method to measure neurogenesis in live humans. But some studies involving patients with brain tumors have shown that new neurons may form even in adults. One intriguing study from 1998 highlighted new neurons in cancer patients aged 57 to 72, suggesting that neurogenesis could continue into adulthood.

A more recent study utilized radiocarbon dating to search for new neurons in human brains. The research indicated newly formed neurons in the adult hippocampus, derived from carbon-14 levels after nuclear bomb tests in the mid-20th century. Though compelling, these findings have not been replicated, leaving room for skepticism.

There are indirect markers of neurogenesis, including specific proteins linked to neuron growth. Researchers like Kempermann have discovered signs of newborn neurons in adult brains using these markers.[1]

However, not all experts agree on the existence of adult neurogenesis. Arturo Alvarez-Buylla from UCSF argues that while new neurons are observable in children and adolescents, evidence for adults remains weak. He warns that some chemical markers may not be specific to new neurons, potentially misleading researchers.

Despite the ongoing debate, understanding the potential for adult neurogenesis could revolutionize treatments for brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. If we can grow and integrate new neurons, it opens doors for innovative therapies.

If neurogenesis does occur in adults, it is likely in very limited instances. Alvarez-Buylla acknowledges that harnessing the mechanisms driving neurogenesis in animals could be beneficial for human therapies, emphasizing the importance of plasticity in the adult brain.

As research continues, the question remains: Can adults create new neurons? The answer could reshape how we view brain health and recovery.

For more information on brain science, you can visit NINDS.

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