Discover how your adult brain can grow new neurons through neurogenesis...
For decades, scientists believed that once we reached adulthood, our brains stopped growing new neurons. It was a widely accepted belief: your brain cells peaked in youth, and from there, it was a slow, inevitable decline. But today, research tells a very different—and much more hopeful—story.
Neurogenesis, the process of forming new neurons, continues well into adulthood, especially in the hippocampus—the part of the brain associated with memory, learning, and emotion. This ability offers not only hope for healing after brain injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) but also provides hope for potential new therapies for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
- A landmark study published in Cell Stem Cell in 2018 found that even people in their 70s and beyond were producing new neurons in the hippocampus.
- Research from Nature Medicine (Moreno-Jiménez et al., 2019) discovered that adults with healthy brains produced thousands of new neurons daily—while production slowed significantly in those with Alzheimer’s.
The Science of Adult Neurogenesis
The discovery of adult neurogenesis in humans was first documented in the late 1990s. Since then, multiple studies have confirmed that our brains retain the capacity to produce new neurons under the right conditions. These conditions include:
- Exercise – Aerobic activity like walking, swimming, or biking can stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule in neurogenesis.
- Cognitive stimulation – Learning something new, solving puzzles, and challenging your brain can foster the growth of new neural connections.
- Quality sleep – Deep, restful sleep supports the brain’s repair and regeneration processes.
- Nutrition – Omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants can all contribute to a healthy brain environment that supports neurogenesis.
Even more compelling: research shows that even after traumatic brain injuries, the brain attempts to repair itself by promoting neurogenesis—though this process may be disrupted or insufficient without support. The opportunity to harness and enhance this process is driving innovation in neurological care.
Can the Brain Recover After Injury?
Yes—there is also growing evidence that neurogenesis may aid in recovery after traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While the process is complex and doesn’t restore the brain to its original state, increased neuroplasticity and the formation of new neurons could improve cognitive function and quality of life for some individuals.
Alzheimer’s Disease, Memory Loss, and the Future of Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis doesn’t just benefit the injured brain—it may also offer hope for those at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies suggest that impaired neurogenesis could contribute to the progression of memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
But here’s where the hope lies: if we can better understand and stimulate neurogenesis (the production of new neurons), we may be able to delay or even prevent the loss of brain function in people with Alzheimer’s. Experimental therapies are already being explored that focus on increasing neurogenesis, improving synaptic plasticity, and protecting existing neurons.
In the future, treatments could combine lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly even stem cell therapies or brain stimulation techniques to help preserve memory and restore brain function. While we’re not there yet, the science is advancing—and fast.
Hope, Grounded in Science
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, stroke, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, or any disease that negatively impacts the brain’s neurocognitive abilities can be unnerving. Understanding that neuroscientists are continuing their research into neurogenesis and having hope that new neural pathways can be developed—that new neurons can grow as an adult—provides hope as patients and their caregivers continue their journeys to heal.
Take the First Step Toward Brain Health
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss, confusion, or post-injury changes, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and intervention can make all the difference. Kane Hall Barry Neurology understands that early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. That’s why we provide advanced cognitive and neuropsychological testing services including:
- Neurocognitive screenings, which has shown 92% sensitivity in identifying cognitive impairment
- Standardized tools like the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
- Referrals for full neuropsychological evaluations, when more comprehensive data is needed
Our physicians recommend that everyone over age 50 have a cognitive screening once a year—a simple step that could lead to earlier interventions and better long-term brain health.
There are treatments that can make a difference such as promising monoclonal antibody therapies aimed at slowing disease progression by targeting amyloid buildup—our Kane Hall Barry Infusion Centers do provide this.
Kane Hall Barry Neurology has three locations in Bedford, Keller, and Mansfield to better serve Tarrant County and the surrounding communities. You can schedule a new patient appointment online or call our office at (817)267-6290 should you have questions or need to schedule a follow-up.
References:
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Inampudi A. Genetic evidence that our brains make new neurons in adulthood may close a century-old debate. Science. Published July 3, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.science.org/content/article/genetic-evidence-our-brains-make-new-neurons-adulthood-may-close-century-old-debate
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Slack G. Stanford Medicine study hints at ways to generate new neurons in old brains. Science. Published October 2, 2024. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.science.org/content/article/genetic-evidence-our-brains-make-new-neurons-adulthood-may-close-century-old-debate
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Brain Basics: The Life and Death of a Neuron. NIH. Updated July 3, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-life-and-death-neuron
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Bradford N. Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy. Scientific American. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/proof-that-adult-brains-make-new-neurons-settles-scientific-controversy/
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Ammothumkandy A, Liu C, Bonaguidi MA. Adults grow new brain cells. And these neurons are key to learning by listening. ASBMB Today. Published January 11, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.asbmb.org/asbmb-today/science/011125/adults-grow-new-brain-cells
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Gage FH. New neurons are born in the adult human brain. Nat Med. 2025;31:356–357. doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03497-x
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National Institute on Aging. New hippocampal neurons continue to form in older adults, including those with MCI, Alzheimer’s. NIH. Published August 15, 2019. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/new-hippocampal-neurons-continue-form-older-adults-including-those-mci-alzheimers
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Tobin MK, Musaraca K, Disouky A, et al. Human hippocampal neurogenesis persists in aged adults and Alzheimer’s disease patients. Cell Stem Cell. 2019;24(6):974-982.e3. doi:10.1016/j.stem.2019.05.003
