Recent research offers yet another reason to exercise. It turns out that cardiovascular exercise can stimulate the production of new brain cells.
Scientists have known since 1992 that the human brain can produce new neurons, a process called neurogenesis. Only recently, though, have we begun to understand this process.
Most new neurons are produced by stem cells in the brain. As we age, these stems cells become less productive, falling into a kind of cellular coma.
Hoping to combat this decline, scientists at Northwestern University manipulated levels of BMP in the brains of laboratory mice. BMP, a naturally occurring protein, serves many purposes throughout the body. In the brain, it helps slow down stem cell divisions. BMP, in other words, is what puts the brain’s stem cells to sleep. Research has shown that as BMP levels increase, neurogenesis decreases, producing negative cognitive effects.
Thankfully, research also shows that exercise counters the effects of BMP. The scientists at Northwestern found that mice allowed to exercise showed both decreased levels of BMP and increased neurogenesis. The mice also produced more Noggin, a chemical that stimulates neurogenesis by inhibiting BMP.
Researchers have not yet figured out whether exercise directly reduces BMP or instead increases Noggin. They do know, though, that exercise helps stimulate neurogenesis. Jogging, in other words, is good for your noggin!
Couple cardiovascular exercise with the brain exercises found at Lumosity, and you can truly improve your cognitive performance.
Reference:
Gobeske KT, Das S, Bonaguidi MA, Weiss C, Radulovic J, Disterhoft JF, Kessler JA. BMP signaling mediates effects of exercise on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognition in mice. PLoS One. 2009 Oct 20;4(10):e7506.
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