Can adults make new brain cells?

Can adults make new brain cells?

The traditional view and one that has been taught for generations is that you are born with all the neurons you will ever have and if a brain cell dies, it is never replaced. However in the last decade or so, much has been learnt about the adult brain and it has finally been accepted that this is not the case.

For much of the past century, it was thought that the production of new neurons – neurogenesis – was restricted to embryonic development. If this was true, you’d have lost your sense of smell years ago! Not to mention, you’d never be able to form new memories or learn new things.

The brain may favor stability over plasticity. Human adult neurogenesis may be an evolutionary relic, and one that comes at a very high cost. However, unfortunately, some nerves can’t repair themselves or regrow once damaged in adulthood (like those in the spinal column).

For now, it’s important to know that this absolute statement is a myth, and some neurons do regrow- and our brain is changing all the time, as we experience new memories and learn something new about myths every day. ;-)

Debunked!