Dr. Rhonda Patrick foundmyfitness ig post:

3-28-2019

I showed up for my high-intensity interval cycling class this morning. Among other things... I definitely wanted that hit of BDNF! BDNF is a neurotrophic growth factor which plays an important role in neurogenesis. In other words, the growth of new neurons in the brain.

Several studies have shown that 20-30 minutes of aerobic or high-intensity interval exercise can increase serum BDNF in humans. Importantly, BDNF is known to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. An increase in BDNF resulting from physical activity is thought to increase adult neurogenesis, prevent neuronal loss, and promote the formation of synapses possibly contributing to cognitive benefits and even reduced psychiatric symptoms.

Did you know that you can grow new neurons in the brain in adulthood? A new study showed that even 80-year-olds can grow new neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain. However, this process is decreased in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Neurogenesis is highly active during brain development was muddied a little bit after an animal study published last year created some doubt on adult neurogenesis.

A new study using cutting-edge techniques looked at human samples and provided more pretty solid evidence of neurogenesis in adult humans. It also found that in tissue samples from people with Alzheimer's disease, neurogenesis was dramatically diminished. This is in line with brain imaging studies showing brain atrophy in the hippocampus brain region in Alzheimer's disease patients. Makes sense.

I have a gene that increases Alzheimer's disease risk and a family history of the disease, but that does not mean I am going to get it. There are several lifestyle factors that are associated with a decreased Alzheimer's risk and exercise is at the top. So yay for the effects that positive lifestyle factors have on disease risk, more affirmation of adult neurogenesis, and exercise-induced BDNF!

Great news!

I'm still recovering from a brain injury that I had last summer. I need to give my brain all the help it can tolerate. I do quite a lot of exercise (2500+ miles on the bicycle so far this year) and there is high-intensity spurts involved in it.